Three dead as passenger van plunges into River Jhelum

A search-and-rescue operation is underway to find the missing passengers

Three passengers lost their lives when a passenger van fell into the River Jhelum near Garari Bridge in Kahuta Tehsil, Rawalpindi. The van’s driver and conductor, along with three other passengers, managed to escape with injuries. Rescue teams are continuing the search for the remaining missing passengers.

The Toyota Hiace was travelling from Azad Kashmir to Rawalpindi, driven by Idrees and accompanied by conductor Basit. Initially carrying five passengers, nine more boarded the van en route.

As the vehicle approached Garari Bridge, the driver reportedly lost control, causing the van to veer off the road and plunge into the river. Eyewitnesses said only a small portion of the van’s roof remained visible above the water following the crash.

Upon receiving the alert, SHO Kahuta Aamir Khan, along with police and Rescue 1122 teams, reached the scene and immediately began rescue operations.

Rescue workers and eyewitnesses reported that the driver, conductor, and three passengers escaped, though all sustained injuries. The conductor was reportedly in critical condition and was shifted to a hospital.

During the operation, the bodies of a 60–70-year-old woman, Fatima, her 50-year-old son Naeem, and 22-year-old passenger Adeel were recovered from the river, along with the wrecked van.

According to Rawalpindi police and Rescue 1122, four to six passengers—identified as 32-year-old Umer Hayat, 15-year-old Aamir, Sagheer, and Adnan—remain missing. The search-and-rescue operation is ongoing.

Rescue officials said more than 25 personnel, including divers and water rescue teams, participated in the operation, supported by an emergency vehicle and six ambulances. Specialists from the City Traffic Police also inspected the crash site and surrounding area to prepare an initial assessment.

CTO Farhan Aslam said that after examining the road, no skid marks or signs of emergency braking were found. He added that the accident appeared to have resulted from alleged driver negligence, though the exact cause will be confirmed after the investigation is completed.