A tragic road accident on the Swat Motorway near Ismaila in Mardan district claimed the lives of at least 18 people and left several others injured after a passenger coach slammed into a parked bus, according to police officials.
Authorities said the bus had reportedly stopped on the roadside due to a mechanical fault when a speeding passenger coach approaching from behind crashed into it with great force. The collision caused severe damage to both vehicles, resulting in heavy casualties at the scene.
Rescue teams and police personnel rushed to the area immediately after the incident and launched relief operations. The injured and the deceased were shifted to hospitals in Mardan for medical treatment and identification procedures, while emergency teams continued rescue efforts.
Officials stated that most of the victims belonged to Upper Dir and Bajaur districts. Efforts are currently underway to confirm the identities of all those affected and to inform their families.
Police have begun an investigation into the incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash, while concerns have once again been raised regarding speeding and road safety on major highways.
