At least 20 people were killed when a bus from Rawalpindi to Hunza fell into a ditch near Gunar Farm in Diamer region of Gilgit-Baltistan early this morning.
Rescue officials said at least 22 people were injured in the accident. According to reports from the area, the passenger bus skidded off the road near Ashashukul Dash and fell into a ditch on the Karakoram Highway around 5 am.
The rescue operation began quickly, and the team rushed to the scene to help the injured and recover the dead. The spokesperson of the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan said that the injured have been admitted to Chilas Regional Central Hospital for treatment. Emergency arrangements were made at the hospital in Chilas to provide immediate care to the victims.
Deputy Commissioner Fayaz Ahmed said the death toll was 17 men and three women. He said that three dead bodies and 21 injured were transferred to the regional central hospital. The three injured will be brought to Gilgit by road, while the seriously injured will be airlifted to Gilgit by helicopter.
GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed grief and sorrow over the incident and said that proper medical help and support is required for the affected families.
PM Shehbaz expressed grief over loss of precious lives in bus accident and condoled with bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and ordered that the injured be given all possible medical treatment.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed his condolences and sympathies to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. “We offer our condolences to the families who lost their lives. May God give them patience in this time of sorrow,” he said.
