Schoolteacher Hania killed, 15 students and instructors injured in Islamabad bus accident

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Schoolteacher Fatally Injured and 15 Students Injured as School Bus Plunges into Ravine in Islamabad

Image Source: Dawn.com

ISLAMABAD: A tragic incident occurred in the Shahdara area of Islamabad on Saturday, resulting in the death of a schoolteacher and injuries to 15 students and instructors. The incident took place when a school bus, parked beside the road, unexpectedly veered into a ravine, as confirmed by the local police and rescue officials.

A group of 41 students, comprising 22 girls and 19 boys, along with 13 teachers from Sheikhupura, had embarked on a picnic excursion to Islamabad. Unfortunately, their trip took a devastating turn when their bus encountered an accident near the Shahdara picnic spot, allegedly due to the driver’s negligence.

According to initial reports, both the bus driver and conductor, who are believed to be residents of Sheikhupura, managed to flee the scene following the incident. Authorities have already issued an arrest warrant for the driver and conductor, holding them responsible for the unfortunate event.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus driver had stopped the vehicle alongside the road but carelessly left the engine running. Some students and teachers disembarked from the bus, while more than a dozen remained inside.

Tragically, the driver also exited the bus without turning off the engine. Suddenly, the bus started moving and swiftly plunged into the adjacent ravine, catching everyone off guard.

Witnesses present at the scene rushed to assist the passengers trapped inside the wreckage. With the help of local residents, they made valiant efforts to rescue the injured individuals.

Soon after receiving the distress call, rescue teams, administration officials, and the police swiftly arrived at the accident site. Regrettably, one of the teachers, identified as Hania, aged 22, succumbed to her injuries. Moreover, over 15 passengers, including two teachers, suffered various injuries. The deceased teacher’s body and the injured individuals were promptly transported to different hospitals for further medical attention.

Eight of the injured, including two teachers and six students, were rushed to Pims (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences), while the remaining six students were taken to Polyclinic for immediate medical assistance. The injured students range in age from 9 to 12.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health stated that the injured victims were admitted to Pims and Polyclinic hospitals, where they would receive the best possible medical care. Caretaker Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan also intervened, issuing instructions to the hospitals’ management to ensure the injured individuals receive optimal treatment.

Anwarul Haq, the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, visited Pims to personally inquire about the health conditions of the injured students and teachers. He also directed the medical staff to provide effective and efficient treatment to those affected by the accident.

The administration’s spokesperson attributed the incident to the “negligence and carelessness” of the bus driver. Consequently, an order has been issued to the police for the immediate arrest of the driver and conductor.

This unfortunate event has cast a dark shadow over the picnic excursion, leaving the entire community grieving for the loss of a young teacher’s life and praying for the swift recovery of the injured students and instructors.

[Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2023].