PM and CM offer condolences after tragic bus accident

On Friday morning, a tragic incident occurred in the remote area of Diamer district, Gilgit Baltistan, when a passenger bus carrying 38 passengers veered off a narrow mountain road and plunged into a ravine at Yashokhal on the Karakoram Highway. The bus was en route from Rawalpindi to Gilgit when the accident took place around 5:30 am, resulting in the loss of at least 20 lives and leaving 21 others injured.

Following the mishap, rescue teams swiftly responded to the scene, transporting the injured and deceased to a hospital in Chilas. Among the casualties were three women, and the health department reported that five passengers remain in critical condition, with two transferred to Gilgit city for further treatment.

Diamer Deputy Commissioner Fayyaz Ahmed confirmed that the rescue operation, which included army helicopters, has been successfully completed. He mentioned that the accident occurred due to overspeeding or a sharp turn, approximately 20 kilometers away from Chilas city.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed their condolences and instructed authorities to provide necessary medical assistance to the injured promptly. The GB government has declared an emergency at Chilas hospital to manage the influx of patients.

In conclusion, this tragic bus accident in Diamer has resulted in a significant loss of life and injuries, highlighting the importance of road safety measures and emergency response preparedness in remote regions.