At least 40 people were killed and eight others injured after a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in southwestern Pakistan on Friday, local officials said.

The accident occurred in the mountainous Dana Sar area of Zhob district when the bus, traveling from Quetta toward Islamabad, lost control and veered off a highway before falling into a rocky gorge.

Sanaullah Sherani, head of the Zhob district emergency center, said the vehicle plunged into a deep ravine in the remote area, triggering a major rescue operation.

"The passenger bus travelling from Quetta lost control and fell into a deep ravine in the Dana Sar area," Sherani said.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the death toll, stating that at least 40 passengers lost their lives in the crash, while eight others sustained injuries and were transferred to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

According to officials, the bus was carrying 48 passengers at the time of the accident. Initial reports indicate that the vehicle may have been overcrowded and travelling at high speed when the driver lost control.

Rescue teams, local authorities, and emergency responders rushed to the scene following the crash. The difficult terrain and remote location complicated rescue efforts as workers searched the wreckage and assisted survivors.

Road accidents are common in Pakistan, particularly in mountainous regions where highways often feature sharp bends and steep drop-offs. Poor road conditions, speeding, overcrowding, and inadequate vehicle maintenance are frequently cited as contributing factors in major crashes.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. (ILKHA)