RAWALPINDI: Police have detained the coach owner and bus stand manager in connection with Sunday’s road accident in Kahuta that left all the 26 people on board dead.

The police arrested the two persons on Wednesday after filing a formal complaint against them. The police claimed that their incompetence had led to the death of the 26 people.

In Rawalpindi district, 23 road traffic accidents have been reported so far this month which have resulted in the loss of 39 lives and injuries to 19 persons. Of the 23 accidents, 14 were fatal and 19 non-fatal.

The change of the chief traffic officer (CTO) early this month could not improve the traffic situation.

It has emerged that the passenger coach with the seating capacity of 22 passengers was overloaded when it plunged into a deep ravine on Sunday. Overloading of passenger vans and buses is also common in the garrison city.

A police spokesman said the police had made significant progress in the accident in Kahuta and detained the owner of the coach and bus stand manager. They were identified as Malik Mohammad Safir, the owner, and Abdul Quddus, manager of the bus stand.

“Criminal negligence of the accused led to loss of 26 precious lives,” City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani said in a statement. The owner operated the vehicle on a public service route without a route permit and fitness certificate, said the CPO.

“Those who play with the lives of citizens for petty gain deserve severe punishment,” the CPO said, adding that all legal requirements will be met to punish the suspects.

Instructions have been given to the SSP investigation, SP Saddar Division and the Legal Branch for effective follow-up of the case, he added.

“The honorable court will very definitely punish those accountable for the unfortunate tragedy,” he said.

On the other hand, the wreckage of the coach was shifted to the police station after being retrieved from the ravine.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2024