A passenger coaster carrying wedding guests from Parishing, Astore, to Chakwal plummeted into the river after veering off the Thalichi Bridge.
In a tragic accident near Thalichi, a passenger coaster veered off a bridge and plunged into the river, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals, including the groom and his mother. The bride, Malaika, emerged as the sole survivor and received immediate medical attention.
Residents, police, and rescue teams actively participate in the ongoing search and rescue operations. Deputy Commissioner of Astore, Muhammad Tariq, reported that rescue workers had recovered 14 victims and transported their bodies to the Astore District Headquarters Hospital. They also retrieved the accident-stricken vehicle from the river.
Home Minister Shams Lone pointed out that initial investigations suggest the accident likely occurred because the vehicle lost control of the bridge’s slippery surface. Authorities are also exploring potential mechanical failures to understand this devastating incident’s causes fully.
Rescue operations paused at nightfall, but Deputy Commissioner Tariq announced that the teams would resume recovery efforts the following morning.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep condolences for the lives lost and extended their sympathies to the affected families, emphasizing the need for swift and effective relief efforts.
