At least 51 killed in twin Pakistan transport tragedies

At least 51 people were killed in two separate transport accidents in western Pakistan, when a bus plunged off a bridge and a boat carrying a class of children capsized.

Forty-one are so far confirmed dead after their bus crashed into a ravine in southwestern Balochistan province, while at least 10 students died in the boating accident in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said.

As many as three are still missing in the waters, with a rescue operation underway.

The bus was reportedly carrying a total of 48 passengers when it hit a pillar on the bridge and careened off course.

A team of men used heavy machinery to move the twisted metal aside and pull out the burnt remains, which were then shrouded in white cloth.

It had been travelling overnight between Balochistan's provincial capital of Quetta and the southern port city of Karachi.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, local police officials said all of the dead recovered from the lake were between the ages of seven and 14.

He said 11 more children had been rescued, with six in critical condition. However, up to nine more remain missing from the madrassa class which was day tripping at the scenic location.

Ramshackle highways, lax safety measures and reckless driving contribute to Pakistan's dire road safety record.

Passenger buses are frequently crammed to capacity and seatbelts are not commonly worn, meaning high death tolls from single vehicle accidents are common.