A devastating bus accident on the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district resulted in the loss of at least 20 lives and left 21 others injured on Friday morning, according to rescue officials.
The accident occurred when a passenger bus, owned by a private company and traveling from Rawalpindi to Gilgit, overturned near Gunar Farm after the driver lost control. The bus landed near the banks of the Indus River in the early hours of the morning, around 5:30am, as reported by Diamer district rescue officer Shoukat Riaz.
Rescue efforts were immediately initiated, with the injured swiftly transported to Chilas Hospital. Unfortunately, the number of injured initially reported at 35 was later revised downwards as many succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total number of casualties to 20.
GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed that among the deceased were three women, emphasizing that the bus was carrying a total of 43 passengers.
10 people who were injured in the Chilas bus accident were shifted to Gilgit PHQ Hospital, out of which the condition of five is said to be serious.
Local residents and volunteers played a crucial role in assisting with the rescue operations, with many rushing to donate blood for the injured and aiding in the transfer of victims to the hospital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims. He directed authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also offered his condolences and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. He emphasized his solidarity with the families affected by the tragedy during this difficult time.
As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, the nation mourns the loss of lives and stands in solidarity with the affected families.