Wedding Journey Ends in Tragedy: 1 Killed, 18 Injured After Van Plunges Into Ravine in Balochistan

QUETTA: A wedding celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province after a van carrying wedding guests plunged into a deep ravine in Duki district, leaving one person dead and 18 others injured, including women and children.

According to the Assistant Commissioner, the accident occurred in the Mande Tak area when the van was traveling from Loralai to Duki with members of a wedding party. Preliminary findings suggest the vehicle’s brakes failed, causing the driver to lose control before the van veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge.

Rescue teams, assisted by local residents, launched an immediate operation to recover the victims from the ravine. All injured passengers were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Duki, where doctors confirmed the death of one passenger, identified as Paind Khan, son of Gulzar Khan.

Hospital officials said the injured include women and children. Three of the victims remain in critical condition and have been referred to a hospital in Loralai for advanced medical treatment.

Authorities said all the victims belonged to the family of Dr. Johar Khan Shadozai, who were traveling to attend a wedding ceremony.

Officials believe brake failure was the initial cause of the crash, but a formal investigation has been launched to determine all the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The tragic accident has cast a shadow of grief over the family and the local community, turning what was meant to be a joyful wedding journey into a day of mourning.