Chinese nationals among 12 killed in Upper Kohistan bus accident

At least 12 people including nine Chinese nationals were killed in Upper Kohistan when a bus carrying them met an unfortunate accident, the Foreign Office said Wednesday.

The ministry said the bus plunged into a ravine "after a mechanical failure, resulting in leakage of gas that caused a blast".

"Further investigations are underway," read the foreign affairs ministry's statement.

The FO disclosed that Chinese workers and accompanying Pakistani staff were proceeding to their work place for an ongoing project. It said that local authorities are providing all the support to the injured.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely in contact with the Chinese Embassy for coordination and facilitation," added the statement.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan attaches great importance to the safety and security of "Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan".

Geo News had earlier reported that the vehicle was transporting staff working on building the Dasu Dam.

The bodies and injured have been shifted to the Rural Health Centre Dasu. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Arif had also said that an investigation is being conducted into the incident.