At least 11 people were killed and three others injured after a passenger van plunged into a river in northern Pakistan’s mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region on Thursday night, according to rescue officials and police.
The Gilgit-Baltistan van crash occurred when the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off a mountainous road and fall into a nearby river, local police official Mohammad Afzal said on Friday.
Rescue teams launched an emergency search and rescue operation following the accident. The operation continued into early Friday as rescuers worked to recover victims from the river and provide medical assistance to survivors.
Officials confirmed that all 11 bodies and the three injured passengers had been recovered and transported to a nearby hospital.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remained under investigation, while authorities had yet to disclose further details about the identities of the victims or the exact cause of the driver’s loss of control.
Read more: Saud Shakeel Misses Century as Arafat Minhas Shines on Test Debut Against Sri Lanka
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Expresses Grief
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the accident.
In a statement, the chief minister extended his condolences to the families of those killed and expressed sympathy for the injured passengers.
He also directed the relevant authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured, stressing the need for immediate healthcare assistance.
The incident has once again drawn attention to road safety concerns in Pakistan’s mountainous regions, where challenging terrain and difficult driving conditions can increase the risks of serious accidents.
Road Accidents Remain a Major Safety Concern in Pakistan
Road accidents remain a persistent challenge in Pakistan, where poor road conditions, inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations and unsafe driving practices contribute to frequent crashes.
Read more: UNRWA Warns of Gaza Flooding Risks as Shortages Hamper Winter Preparations
Mountainous areas present additional difficulties for motorists because of steep roads, sharp turns and challenging driving conditions. These factors can make vehicle control particularly difficult, especially on dangerous routes.
The latest incident comes just a week after another deadly road accident in eastern Pakistan.
A passenger bus collided with a truck in Punjab province, killing 11 people and injuring 33 others. The incident highlighted continuing concerns about road safety and the need for stronger enforcement of traffic laws across the country.
The repeated loss of lives in road accidents has raised questions about vehicle safety, driver training, road infrastructure and emergency response arrangements.
Authorities face growing pressure to strengthen road safety measures, particularly on routes where dangerous terrain and inadequate infrastructure create additional risks for passengers.
The latest tragedy in Gilgit-Baltistan has left 11 families mourning their loved ones and renewed calls for improved safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
Follow on social media Facebook and Instagram
-
-
-
-
