Islamabad: A devastating incident unfolded in eastern Punjab province, Pakistan, early Sunday, resulting in a bus inferno that claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals and left 13 others injured. The catastrophe transpired when a bus collided with a van parked on the shoulder of an intercity highway near Pindi Bhattian, igniting a fire that swiftly consumed both vehicles.

The collision occurred as the Islamabad-bound bus struck a van transporting fuel drums. The force of impact caused the van to catch fire, which then spread rapidly to the bus. The ensuing blaze trapped numerous passengers within the bus, leading to harrowing scenes of destruction.

Rescue efforts yielded survivors, but they were grievously burned, with several facing critical conditions. Some passengers managed to escape the conflagration through windows, sustaining burns of varying degrees.

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Tragically, both drivers of the bus and van lost their lives in the accident.

Authorities determined that the accident was primarily attributed to the bus driver's excessive speed and failure to notice the van parked in a no-parking zone on the roadside. This incident is not an isolated one on Pakistan's highways. Frequently, safety standards are compromised, traffic regulations flouted, and drivers succumb to fatigue during long journeys.

The recurring pattern of such accidents highlights a pressing need for improved road safety measures in Pakistan. Despite government pledges to enhance road safety, tangible progress has remained elusive.

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This grim event serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency to bolster road safety in Pakistan. Immediate action must be taken by the government to enforce traffic regulations, enhance safety standards, and embark on an awareness campaign. Steps that could aid in this endeavor encompass:

• Enhanced Driver Education and Training: Invest in comprehensive driver education programs to cultivate a culture of responsible driving and accident prevention.
• Stringent Traffic Law Enforcement: Implement robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and penalize those who flout them.
• Upgraded Road Infrastructure: Allocate resources for the development and maintenance of safe and reliable road networks.
• Public Awareness Initiatives: Launch campaigns to educate the public about road safety practices, the importance of adhering to traffic rules, and the dangers of reckless driving.

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Through concerted efforts and proactive measures, the government can mitigate the likelihood of future tragedies on Pakistan's roads. The lives lost in this heart-wrenching incident underscore the imperative to prioritize road safety and translate promises into tangible action.