A tragic accident has claimed the lives of 21 people and left 35 others injured after a passenger bus veered off a cliff and plunged into a deep ravine late Saturday evening. The incident occurred on a winding mountain road known for its sharp turns and poor visibility, especially at night and during the rainy season.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the bus, which was en route from a rural township to a nearby city, may have been overloaded and traveling at high speed. Local officials believe that slippery road conditions due to recent heavy rainfall contributed significantly to the driver losing control. Witnesses say the vehicle skidded while attempting to navigate a curve, then broke through a weak roadside barrier before falling into the ravine below.
The impact was catastrophic. Emergency response teams worked through the night to recover bodies and rescue survivors, many of whom sustained serious injuries. Helicopters were deployed at first light to airlift the most critical patients to regional hospitals.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident. Early reports indicate that the bus may not have passed a recent safety inspection, raising serious concerns about regulatory enforcement and the practices of local transport operators. The bus driver, who survived the crash, is currently in custody and undergoing questioning.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, transportation officials have vowed to tighten road safety checks and review all public transport vehicles operating in the area. Community members are also demanding accountability and improvements to road infrastructure, including stronger guardrails and clearer warning signs.
A national day of mourning has been declared as families begin to bury the dead. Government support has been pledged to cover medical expenses and provide compensation to victims’ families. The region, still reeling from the shock, now faces a renewed call for action to prevent future disasters of this scale.
