Accident: 10 die as bus falls in gorge

Ten persons reportedly died as a bus carrying a barat or marriage party fell into a gorge on Kahuta Road near Islamabad. It was carrying about 100 persons. About 35 injured were taken to Tehsil Headquarter Hospital. Death of one child was confirmed by the hospital sources. The bus had brought the barat from Chakwal and was returning after the marriage ceremonies. The bride and the bridegroom had already departed separately in a car. The passengers of the bus are said to be from the same community and close relations to each other. According to the Express News this is a security sensitive area and media was not given access. Rescue workers were trying to reach the scene of the accident from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Local NGO Al-Khidmat and other volunteers are taking part in the rescue activities. Chief Minister Punjab has issued orders to help injured, Emergency has been declared in hospitals.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2012.