DIAMER: At least 20 people died while 21 got hurt after a passenger bus went off a narrow mountain road and fell into a deep valley in a faraway area of southwest Pakistan, police sources told Private TV Channel on Friday.
The incident occurred in the Yashokhal area along the Karakoram Highway in Diamer district early Friday morning around 5:30 am, as stated by the police.
The bus was en route from Rawalpindi to Gilgit with an estimated 38 passengers on board, as confirmed by authorities.
Following the report of the accident, rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the location. Injured individuals and deceased victims have been transported to a hospital in Chilas.
The Director of the health department mentioned that among the deceased were three women.
Expressing condolences over the tragic event, Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan directed the administration and rescue teams to swiftly provide medical assistance to those injured.
A spokesperson for the GB government stated that an emergency has been declared at Chilas hospital.
Rescue operation concluded:
Diamer Deputy Commissioner Fayyaz Ahmed informed a private TV channel that at least five passengers are in critical condition, with two transferred to Gilgit city.
“The rescue operation, with participation from army helicopters, has concluded in the affected area,” he stated.
The Diamer DC mentioned he’s maintaining contact with the victims’ families.
“The accident occurred 20 kilometers from Chilas city. The bus crashed either due to overspeeding or while negotiating a turn,” the official explained.
Condolences extend
Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif conveyed condolences and sorrow over the bus accident’s loss, praying for the swift recovery of the injured.
The premier also instructed relevant authorities to ensure all possible medical assistance for the injured.
Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, expressed condolences for the incident, urging prompt medical aid from the administration and rescuers for the injured.
A spokesperson for the GB government stated that an emergency has been declared at Chilas hospital.
