On February 28, 2025, a tragic bus accident on the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway near the Neelah-Dullah Interchange resulted in eight fatalities and injuries to over 40 passengers. At approximately 12:30 PM, a Gulab Coach bus traveling from Swat to Karachi lost control near the Bhagwal Bridge. The vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a six to seven-foot-deep ditch, causing chaos among the passengers.
The bus crash killed five people instantly, including the bus driver. Emergency responders acted quickly, rushing the injured to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Chakwal. Despite medical efforts, three more passengers died at the hospital. Authorities identified the deceased as Shumaila Bibi (35), Areesh Khan (40), Rafiullah (25), Hamaima (5), Syed Iqbal (67), Subhan Allah (54), Jahanzeb (70), and Mohammad Yar (70). All belonged to the Swat region.
Two drivers were operating the bus. Subhan Allah lost his life at the scene, while the other, Wajid, fled immediately. Law enforcement continues searching for him. Investigators suspect driver negligence contributed to the accident, especially given the sharp curve at the site. Officials registered a case against both drivers and are pursuing legal action.
Many of the injured bus passengers included children. Five individuals in critical condition were transferred to Rawalpindi for specialized treatment. Meanwhile, 36 others remain under medical care at DHQ Chakwal. Doctors report their conditions as stable, but ongoing treatment continues.
This devastating incident highlights the urgent need for strict highway safety enforcement. Authorities must ensure that drivers follow regulations and vehicles remain roadworthy to prevent future tragedies.
