20 PEOPLE KILLED, 21 INJURED AFTER BUS FALLS INTO RAVINE IN PAKISTAN-OCCUPIED KASHMIR

Gilgit-Baltistan (PoK): A speeding bus veered off the road on a narrow mountain and fell into a ravine in Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reported Geo News, citing police. At least 20 people were killed and 21 others injured due to the accident.

The accident took place at Yashokal area on the Karakoram Highway in PoK's Diamer on Friday at 5:30 am (local time), according to the police. The bus was heading from Rawalpindi to Gilgit. According to the local police, at least 38 passengers were travelling on the bus.

Following the accident, rescue teams were dispatched to the site of the accident. The dead and injured were taken to a hospital in Chilas. The deceased people included three women, according to the Health Department director, reported Geo News.

Speaking to Geo News, Diamer Deputy Commissioner Fayyaz Ahmed said that the condition of at least five injured passengers is serious. Two have been shifted to Gilgit city for treatment. Ahmad added that he is in touch 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," the official said.

Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan offered his condolences over the incident. He ordered the administration and rescue personnel to provide immediate aid and assistance to the injured. A Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson said that an emergency has been imposed in Chilas Hospital.

(With Inputs From ANI)

2024-05-03T08:06:40Z dg43tfdfdgfd