A passenger coach crashed into a ravine in the Haveli district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of five people. Three others sustained injuries.
According to the police, the vehicle skidded off a frost-covered road in a mountainous region known for its challenging driving conditions.
The coach departed from Forward Kahuta, traveling to Rawalpindi via Lasdana. It encountered a snowy patch at Parthan Wali Ziarat, 22 kilometers from town. Constable Ansar Siddique Rathore explained that the driver had difficulty navigating the snow. Some passengers exited the vehicle, but it plunged over 200 meters down the slope. Four men died instantly in the accident, and a woman succumbed to her injuries while being transported to the hospital.
Coaster accident today at Haveli AJK.
5 died, 4 injured.
Need prayers! pic.twitter.com/8RPiyjHxjf
— Fahad Mumtaz🩺 (@fahadkh51) March 16, 2025The driver, Zahid, jumped out just before the fall and fled. The deceased include Abdul Rauf Rathore, Malik Sher Baz, Chaudhry Muhammad Khurshid, Khalid Hussain, and Shamim. The injured are Arif Ali, Imran Ayub, and Zeeshan. A social media video showed the coach teetering on the edge before crashing.
AJK Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore expressed deep sorrow over the AJK Haveli coach crash. He offered condolences and promised support to the families. Rathore prayed for the victims and the injured, their recovery. The minister represents Haveli in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
Mountain roads in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) frequently experience deadly crashes. Contributing factors include traffic violations, rough terrain, and inadequate infrastructure. Just last December, accidents in the region resulted in the loss of 14 lives. This latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
