ISLAMABAD: A driver was killed and 28 women were injured when a factory bus they were travelling in plunged into a ditch after gunmen opened fire at them in Hassan Abdal late on Friday, a rescue official said.
The unknown assailants attacked the bus when women labourers were on their way to the factory in the country’s northwest Haripur district from Hassan Abdal, Muhammad Haider, an emergency official of the state-owned emergency rescue service Rescue 1122 in the city, said.
The bus fell into a deep ditch when the driver of the vehicle lost control over it after sustaining gunshots injuries, killing him on the spot, the rescue official said, adding that the injured women have been transported to a nearby hospital for treatment in Hassan Abdal.
Media quoted hospital sources as saying that five women are in critical condition, and efforts are being made to save their lives.
Following the incident, police officials and rescue teams immediately reached the scene, cordoned off the area and started rescue activities.
The assailants managed to flee the scene after carrying out the attack, police told local media.
Police teams are conducting raids to arrest the on-the-run suspects, and investigations into the firing incident are underway.
