The Balochistan government has launched legal action against the passenger coach company involved in the deadly bus crash in the Danasar area of Sherani district, registering a case, sealing the company’s offices in Quetta, and initiating a formal investigation into the tragedy.

The action comes a day after the passenger bus travelling from Quetta to Peshawar plunged into a deep ravine in the mountainous Danasar area after the driver reportedly lost control, killing 40 people and injuring eight others.

According to government officials, a first information report (FIR) has been registered against the coach company, while its offices in Quetta have been sealed. However, no arrests had been made by Friday despite the legal action.

Authorities said a formal inquiry has begun to determine the cause of the crash and identify those responsible.

Balochistan Chief Minister’s Assistant on Information Shahid Rind confirmed the death toll of 40 and said all eight injured passengers had been rescued and shifted to Zhob for medical treatment.

He said rescue operations were launched immediately on the instructions of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti after authorities were informed of the accident.

According to rescue officials, the bus fell more than 70 feet into a ravine and was completely destroyed.

Several passengers were trapped in the wreckage, making rescue efforts difficult. Women and children were among those killed.

Sherani Deputy Commissioner Hazrat Wali Kakar said the bus had departed Quetta with 36 passengers, but en route, additional passengers from another bus that had broken down were transferred to the same vehicle, resulting in overcrowding.

Following the accident, rescue teams, ambulances and emergency personnel from Sherani, Zhob and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district rushed to the scene.

An emergency was declared at the government hospital and trauma centre in Zhob to treat the injured.

The accident occurred in Sherani district, approximately 400 kilometres from Quetta.

Officials said the district administration is continuing efforts to assist affected families and complete the identification of the deceased as the investigation proceeds.