
By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
BUNER: A tragic accident unfolded in Buner’s Chaghurzai area when a passenger van plunged into a deep ravine, resulting in the loss of eight lives, including those of four women, and injuring three others. The van was reportedly traveling from Chaghurzai to Sawari when it veered off the road near the Doma Kas area, an incident attributed to brake failure. Local authorities, citing preliminary police reports, confirmed that the vehicle lost control on a challenging stretch of the route, sending it into the depths of the ravine.
The victims were swiftly transported to the District Headquarters Hospital in Daggar, where medical teams are currently attending to the injured. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the specific causes of the brake failure, with early insights raising concerns about the vehicle’s maintenance. This accident has renewed calls for urgent reforms in vehicle inspection protocols, as well as strengthened regulations to ensure passenger safety on rural routes known for treacherous terrain and unpredictable driving conditions. Community members, local officials, and families affected by this incident have voiced their grief and frustration, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety measures to avert future tragedies.
Calls for improved driver training, regular vehicle inspections, and enhanced road safety infrastructure have intensified in the wake of this disaster, as it spotlights the longstanding challenges in maintaining safe transportation standards in remote regions. The tragic loss of life in this incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that rural communities face, amplifying the demand for governmental and community action in prioritizing road safety measures for all travelers.