20 killed, 21 injured as bus falls into ravine in Chilas
Pakistan
Rescue teams shift the dead and injured to hospital in Chilas
- Emergency declared at the Chilas Hospital where the injured were brought
- The accident occurred when the bus driver tried to take a sharp turn near Preshu Khaldas area
CHILAS (Dunya News) – At least 20 people lost their lives and 21 others were wounded when a bus fell into a deep ravine in Chilas, a city in Gilgit-Baltistan province in the wee hours of Friday, Dunya News reported.
According to details, the accident occurred at the Karakoram Highway in Preshu Khaldas area of Chilas. The bus was on its way to Hunza from Rawalpindi. As the bus driver tried to take a sharp turn, he could not control the vehicle and it fell into a gorge, killing 15 people and injuring 22 others. Five of the injured succumbed to injuries, taking the toll to 20.
Also Read: Death toll in Hub accident rises to 18
Rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the dead and injured to Chilas Hospital. Rescue sources said the death toll might rise as a majority of the injured were in a critical condition.
An emergency was declared at the Chilas Hospital after the accident, said Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq. He said the bus was carrying more than 35 passengers to Hunza. He said the bus met with an accident around 5am.
CONDOLENCES
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have expressed their profound grief over the loss of precious lives in the Chilas accident. In their separate messages, both leaders condoled with the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.
They also ordered the authorities concerned to provide the injured the best possible treatment. They also prayed for swift recovery of the wounded in Chilas accident.
Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the bus accident.
President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in bus accident near Chilas. Commiserating with the bereaved families, the President prayed for eternal peace of the deceased and patience for their families. He also prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.
Also Read: Six dead, two injured in Lasbela road crash
Earlier in April, six people died and two others were injured when a recklessly-driven car overturned on a road in Landani area of Lasbela. On information, rescue teams and police reached the accident site and started rescue operation.
The dead bodies and the injured were shifted to hospital. The deceased and the injured belonged to Hub. An initial report suggested the accident was the outcome of reckless driving.
