Bus accident in Diamer claims 20 lives

At least 20 people were killed and many others sustained injuries when a passenger bus careened off a narrow mountain road, plunging into a ravine, Geo News reported on Friday. 

The incident happened in the early hours of Friday in the Yashokhal area along the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit Baltistan's Diamer District, according to the local law enforcement authorities.

The ill-fated bus was enroute from Rawalpindi to Gilgit with at least 38 people on board.

Following the mishap report, rescue teams were dispatched to the crash site to carry out rescue and relief operations. Moreover, bodies and those who were wounded in the accident have been moved to a hospital in Chilas.

Director of the health department said that three women were among those who were dead.

Rescue operation completed

Diamer Deputy Commissioner Fayyaz Ahmed told Geo News that the condition of at least five injured passengers is serious, while two have been shifted to Gilgit city.

“Rescue operation, in which army helicopters also participated, has been completed in the affected area,” he said.

The Diamer DC said he is in contact with the families of the victims.

“The accident took place 20 kilometres away from Chilas city. The bus met with an accident while overspeeding or taking a turn,” said the official.

Condolences pour in

Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif expressed condolences and grief over the loss of loss in the bus accident, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The premier also directed the authorities concerned to provide all possible medical aid to the injured.

Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed his condolences over the incident, directing the administration and rescuers to provide immediate medical aid to the injured.

GB government's spokesperson said that emergency have been imposed in Chilas hospital.