DERA GHAZI KHAN: Five people, including two women and a pedestrian, were killed and 27 others injured after a bus overturned here on Wednesday morning near Jamman Shah, Layyah.

Reports said a Rawalpindi-bound bus coming from Kot Addu overturned in a bid to avoid collision with a donkey cart. The bus ran over and killed a pedestrian while four passengers, including two women, died on the spot. As many as 27 others suffered injuries and were shifted to health facilities of Kot Sultan and Layyah.

Layyah DC Azfar Zia said the deceased had been identified as Amir of Sinawan, pedestrian Jamil, 30, of Jamman Shah, Imran of Kot Sultan, and Razu Mai, 55, of Kot Addu. He said a woman in her 30’s could not be identified.

A rescuer said Jamil was on a morning walk [when he was run over].

Layyah District Emergency Officer Dr. Sajjad said five of the injured were critical. He said 11 of the injured were shifted to DHQ Hospital.

The Layyah DPO said police had registered a case against the driver as well as the owner of the bus under sections 337G (death of passengers and pedestrian), 279 (speeding) and 109 (owner and other responsible persons for fitness of the vehicle).

Dera Ghazi Khan Commissioner Dr Irshad told Dawn that speed checking system would be set up soon.

He said if a vehicle arrived before time at a check point it would be challaned.

He directed the Road and Transport Authority secretary to regularly check vehicles for fitness certificate. He said speeding guns would be used.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2021