Nine Chinese workers among 12 killed in Kohistan bus ‘blast’

Nine Chinese workers were among 12 people killed on Wednesday when a blast on a bus sent it careering down a ravine in Kohistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

While Pakistani officials said the nature of the blast was under investigation, the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad said its nationals had come under "attack".

The bus was carrying Chinese engineers, surveyors and mechanical staff to the Dasu Hydrpower Project construction site in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a local government official who did not want to be named told AFP.

"The blast sparked a fire in the engine plunging the vehicle into a ravine," he said, adding another 28 Chinese nationals were injured.

Kohistan Deputy Commissioner Arif Khan Yousafzai said that the explosion took place in a bus carrying Chinese people who were working on Dasu Hydropower project in Barseen, Kohistan. He said the reason of the explosion hadn’t been determined as yet.

The Chinese workers were going to the site area from Barseen in the morning when the blast occurred and wrecked the vehicle. The blast was sudden and the authorities have not been able to find out the reason for the blast as of now.

A total of 41 passengers were on board the ill-fated bus among whom the majority were of the Chinese engineers who were working on the Dasu Dam. 

Deputy Commission Yousafzai said that the police and other investigation agencies were trying to determine the cause of the blast, but there was a likelihood that the cylinder fitted in the bus might have exploded.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Chinese embassy in Islamabad said that "a certain project of a Chinese firm in Pakistan suffered an attack, which caused the deaths of Chinese nationals".

It urged Chinese firms to strengthen their security procedures.

The embassy confirmed that nine Chinese nationals and three Pakistanis were killed in the explosion.

Pakistani government is investigating the incident, the embassy said, adding after the incident it immediately contacted the Pakistani Foreign and Interior Ministry and the Army.

“We demanded urgent probe into the incident and ensuring security of the Chinese projects in Pakistan,” the embassy said, adding Pakistani concerned officials were also urged to enhance security of the Chinese nationals in the country.

Following is the text of statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad: 
“At around 7 am local time on July 14, the attendance shuttle bus for the Dasu Hydropower Station project in Cape Province, which was constructed by a Chinese company, encountered an explosion on its way to the construction site. So far, 9 Chinese personnel and 3 Pakistani personnel have been killed. Pakistan is investigating the cause.

After the incident, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan launched the emergency plan as soon as possible, contacted the Pakistani military, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior and other relevant departments, requesting Pakistan to carry out rescue and treatment at all costs, and strengthen the support of Chinese institutions and projects in Pakistan. The security of personnel, and as soon as possible to find out the truth of the incident. The Pakistani military has organized rescue at the first time and dispatched helicopters to transport the wounded.

“The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the incident, expressed deep condolences to the victims, and sincere condolences to the injured, and will do its best with Pakistan to deal with the incident.

“The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan hereby reminds Chinese citizens, enterprises and projects in Pakistan to attach great importance to them, pay close attention to the local security situation, strengthen the safety of project personnel, take strict precautions, and do not go out unless necessary.”

Foreign Ministry statement

This morning a bus carrying Chinese workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, plunged into a ravine after a mechanical failure resulting in leakage of gas that caused a blast. Further investigations are underway.
According to preliminary reports, nine Chinese nationals and three Pakistanis lost their lives. Chinese workers and accompanying Pakistani staff were proceeding to their workplace for an ongoing project.
The local authorities are providing all possible assistance to the injured.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely in contact with the Chinese Embassy for coordination and facilitation.
The Government and people of Pakistan extend sincere condolences to the families of Chinese and Pakistani workers who lost their lives in the incident. We also pray for the quick recovery of the injured.
Pakistan and China are close friends and iron-brothers. Pakistan attaches great importance to safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan.

The security of Chinese workers has long been an issue of concern in Pakistan. Large numbers of them are based in the country to supervise and build infrastructure projects.

With inputs from Agencies.