It’s been reported that at least five tourists lost their lives and 28 others sustained injuries on Sunday in a tragic incident in northern Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region. A tourist coaster plunged into a ravine, highlighting the frequency of fatal road accidents in the country.
Pakistan often witnesses such incidents due to the widespread disregard for traffic regulations and the poor condition of roads, particularly in rural areas.
The accident occurred in Thalechi, Diamer district, during the afternoon at approximately 12:30 p.m. The coaster, en route from Rawalpindi to Gilgit, failed to negotiate a bend and tragically fell into the ravine. Shaukat Riaz, district coordinator for the Rescue 1122 service, confirmed the details and informed that the deceased and injured had been transported to hospitals in Gilgit following the completion of the rescue operation.
Muhammad Ayaz, the senior superintendent of police (SSP) for Diamer district, stated that five deaths had been confirmed, with 28 individuals sustaining injuries. The coaster was carrying 33 passengers, including seven children, all of whom were tourists from Punjab. Ayaz emphasized the need for tourists to adhere to traffic regulations and cautioned against reckless driving in mountainous regions.
Emergency measures were promptly implemented in Gilgit’s hospitals to ensure the victims receive adequate medical care. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, the director of health for Gilgit, confirmed that injured individuals and deceased bodies had been transferred to two hospitals, with all medical personnel on high alert and actively engaged in their duties.
Expressing his condolences for the lives lost in the accident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry to determine the causes of the incident. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also directed the relevant authorities in Gilgit Baltistan to commence immediate relief activities and requested federal departments to extend their assistance.
