Murree roads were not ‘repaired for last two years’

Report reveals snow in crevices hardened causing traffic jam

LAHORE:

A preliminary investigation report into the Murree tragedy – wherein 23 tourists had died while stranded in their vehicles on Friday night – has revealed that the roads in and around the hill station had not been repaired for the last two years that caused the snow accumulated in the crevices to harden causing the traffic jam.

The report, submitted to the Punjab government on Sunday, further disclosed that a slippery spot outside a private cafe in Murree led to the main exit from the hill station. However, there was no government machinery to remove the snow that could have allowed the tourists to escape.

It was also revealed that because of power outages in different parts of Murree, tourists preferred to leave their hotels and stay in vehicles.

Due to the intervention of the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner and central police officer on Saturday night, the movement of vehicles in Murree was banned.

The drivers of snow removal machinery could not reach the scene in time because of the traffic gridlock on the roads of Murree.

Also read: More than 500 families rescued, taken to safety in calamity hit Murree

However, the assistant commissioner and deputy superintendent of police were present there to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

According to the report, there is no parking plaza in Murree where vehicles could be accommodated. The local authorities started the rescue operation after 8 am after the snowstorm had stopped.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has formed a committee headed by the additional chief secretary for further investigation.

The body would focus on the following aspects:

(1) The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had issued several severe weather warnings for Murree. Did the concerned authorities, district administration, police, traffic police, C&W Department, NHA, NDMA, PDMA, etc. coordinate any joint plan of action to prevent a crisis situation?

(2) Were travel advisories issued through electronic, print or social media to warn people not to travel to Murree?

(3) Were any measures taken to control the influx of tourists into Murree?

(4) Was any traffic count kept of vehicles entering Murree? Why was the entry of tourists not stopped at the entry points in Islamabad and Galiyat when the vehicle numbers became unsustainable? (5) Was any contingency plan prepared to deal with a crisis situation, if it occurred: a) placement of snow removing machinery, vehicle lifters and snow mobiles at strategic points; b) deployment of sufficient traffic police personnel; c) coordination with emergency services such as Rescue 1122 and hospitals? Was any control room set up to respond to emergencies?

(6) Was any prior coordination made with local hotels and guest houses for the provision of emergency accommodation for stranded visitors?

(7) What was the efficacy of rescue operations, in particular during the blizzard? Why were people not asked to move out of vehicles and provided accommodation?

(8) What were the lapses that contributed to the crisis?

Separately, telecom companies have announced free inter-network calls for the people stranded in Murree and Nathiagali so that people could remain in touch with their loved ones.

Former singer Rabi Pirzada disclosed on her social post that the locals of Murree were taking undue advantage of the stranded tourists. She posted a video of a tourist, who can be heard saying that the locals were “opportunists”.

She further said two nights ago, the locals were selling an egg for Rs500 to the families in Murree. The hotel owners were charging between Rs30,000 and Rs50,000 for a room as well as selling a bottle of water for Rs500.

“They [labourers] were charging Rs3,000 for pushing a small car and Rs5,000 for a big car,” he added. “Now they have all become helpers and saints. This is a nation of hypocrites!”