Seven tourists die in Diamer accident

Nine others injured as tourist coaster falls into ravine off Karakoram Highway

GILGIT:

At least seven people were killed and nine others injured when a tourist coaster fell into a ravine off Karakoram Highway near the Diamer district’s Thalichi area in Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday.

Tragically, one man, a child, and five women lost their lives in the accident, while the rest sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Rescue 1122 reported that the coaster, carrying 31 tourists, was heading towards Gilgit from Rawalpindi.

The immediate aftermath of the accident witnessed a swift response from the district administration of Diamer, Rescue 1122, and other organisations, which promptly kicked off rescue operations.

The area’s residents participated in the rescue efforts as well.

The Jaglot assistant commissioner said the injured individuals were quickly transferred to Gilgit for urgent medical assistance.

The health department and 1122 ambulances were actively involved in providing necessary aid.

In response to the incident, emergency measures were put in place at the hospitals in Diamer and Gilgit.

The authorities are in contact with the families of the deceased, making arrangements for the transfer of the bodies.

Reacting to the tragic news, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and extended his condolences to the affected families.

He conveyed his sympathies as well as directed the relevant authorities in G-B to swiftly provide relief and ensure an efficient rescue response.

The prime minister also instructed the federal government departments to extend their support in the rescue and relief operation, along with providing medical assistance to the injured passengers.

Praying for the speedy recovery of the people injured in the accident, PM Shehbaz urged the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the mishap.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also expressed his grief over the loss of lives in the tragic incident.

He conveyed his condolences to the families of the passengers who perished in the accident and also prayed for the early recovery of the injured.

Bilawal, who is also the PPP chairman, emphasised the need for chalking out a strategy to prevent such mishaps in the future.

Earlier this month, five tourists died and 13 were injured in two traffic mishaps in G-B’s Hunza when a van plunged into a ravine and another crashed into a mountain.

In June, eight people were killed and 17 others suffered injuries when a vehicle heading for Chitral from Upper Dir fell into a ravine.

Also last month, at least 10 people were killed and 13 others injured when a coaster bus plummeted into a ravine in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

(With input from agencies)