Tragedy struck early Friday morning as a passenger bus, owned by a private company, veered off the road on the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district. According to rescue officials, the bus was enroute from Rawalpindi to Gilgit when the driver lost control near Gunar Farm.
The bus, carrying numerous passengers, careened off the highway and came to a rest perilously close to the Indus River bank. The accident occurred at approximately 5:30 AM, leaving a devastating toll in its wake.
Rescue efforts were swiftly mobilised, with officials rushing to the scene to assist the injured and retrieve the deceased. Diamer district rescue officer Shoukat Riaz reported that at least 20 individuals lost their lives in the accident, while 21 others sustained injuries of varying severity.
The injured were promptly transported to Chilas Hospital for urgent medical attention. However, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the casualty count continued to rise, with several individuals succumbing to their injuries.
GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq conveyed the grim news that among the deceased were three women, adding another layer of tragedy to the already devastating incident.
In the aftermath of the accident, the local community rallied together, displaying acts of compassion and solidarity. Mohammad Zaman, a resident of the area, recounted to Dawn.com as to how a multitude of people flocked to the hospital, eager to donate blood and offer assistance to the injured.
Local volunteers played a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of both the injured and the deceased to medical facilities. As investigations into the cause of the accident ensue, the community mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the repercussions of the tragic event that unfolded on the winding roads of Gilgit-Baltistan.