20 Dead, 21 Injured as Bus Plunges into Ravine in Chilas

Shazia Mehboob

Islamabad: At least 20 passengers lost their lives, and 21 others sustained injuries when a bus plunged into a deep ravine in Chilas, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan province, during the early hours of Friday.

According to police, the tragic incident occurred when the bus driver attempted to negotiate a sharp turn, leading to a loss of control over the vehicle, which subsequently veered off the road and fell into a gorge along the Karakoram Highway in the Yashukhaldas area of Chilas.

Following the accident, rescue teams reached the scene and shifted the deceased and injured individuals to Chilas Hospital. Rescue officials have expressed concerns that the death toll may escalate as many of the injured passengers are in critical condition.

The spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government declared an emergency at Chilas Hospital in response to the accident.

Faizullah Faraq, the Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson, has verified the death toll and indicated that the ill-fated bus was carrying over 35 passengers bound for Hunza.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif  and GB  Chief Minister on Friday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a bus accident that took place on the Karakoram Highway in the Yashokhal Das area of Chilas. The prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed souls and sympathized with the bereaved families. 

He also prayed for the quick recovery of those injured in the accident and directed the authorities concerned to provide them with the best possible medical treatment.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has expressed sorrow and grief over the death of 20 people in a traffic accident near Chilas.

In his message, he expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the heirs of the deceased. 

He directed the administration to provide the best treatment facilities to the injured, saying that “legal action should be taken against the driver responsible for the accident”.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and eternal peace for the departed souls.

The Chief Minister also said that all the drivers are requested to avoid speeding.

It is a developing story.

Photo Credit: Shabbir Mir