Seven killed as coaster plunges into ravine

MIRPUR, AJK: At least seven persons were killed and four others were injured when a passenger wagon plunged into a deep ravine at Goi Nullah in Poonch on Palandri road. Two passengers are reported to be in critical condition.

The incident took place when the wagon plunged into a deep ravine at Goi Nullah on Palandri Road in Poonch on Monday, police said. Deputy Inspector General Police Poonch Division Ch. Sajaad Hussain told APP that Rawalpindi-bound coaster with 11 passengers onboard met the mishap while negotiating a sharp turn at Goi nullah at about 2 pm, leaving seven commuters dead on the spot besides injuring four others.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital as police rushed to the area for rescue operation, the DIG said. The wagon was on way from Rawalakot to Rawalpindi when it met the accident reportedly because of over speeding.

Further investigations are in progress. AJK President Sardar Masood Khan and Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan have expressed deep sense of shock and grief over the loss of human lives in the accident.

They prayed for the rest of the departed souls in eternal peace and grant of fortitude to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with courage. They also prayed for the early recovery of the injured.