At least 20 people died and 21 were injured when a passenger bus fell into a ravine off a narrow mountain road in Diamer district, Gilgit Baltistan.
According to the police’s initial report, the accident occurred around 5:30 AM on Friday in the Yashokhal area on the Karakoram Highway, as reported by the police.
The bus was travelling from Rawalpindi to Gilgit with 38 passengers onboard. Rescue teams quickly responded to the scene, and both the injured and the deceased have been transported to a hospital in Chilas.
The Health Department’s director noted that three of the deceased were women. Diamer Deputy Commissioner Fayyaz Ahmed mentioned that the condition of five injured passengers is serious, with two being transferred to Gilgit city for further treatment.
“The rescue operation, which included army helicopters, has concluded in the area,” Ahmed stated. He also confirmed ongoing communication with the victims’ families.
The official explained, “The bus was either speeding or turning when the accident happened, about 20 kilometres from Chilas City.”
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif expressed his condolences and wished for a quick recovery for the injured. He has directed relevant authorities to ensure all possible medical assistance is provided.
Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan also conveyed his condolences and instructed immediate medical support for the injured. A government spokesperson announced that an emergency had been declared at Chilas Hospital to handle the situation.
