14 killed as Gilgit bus falls into river

“As many as 27 people were onboard the bus,” says DC, adding that 11 people were still missing

By News Desk
November 13, 2024
A view of the incident site where a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine. — APP/File
A view of the incident site where a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine. — APP/File

GILGIT: In an unfortunate incident, at least 14 people drowned after an ill-fated bus carrying wedding guests fell into the Indus River in Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday.

According to Astore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Tariq: “14 bodies have been retrieved from the river.” He said that the bride among two people have been rescued.

Police said that ill-fated bus was part of a wedding procession heading towards Punjab’s Chakwal district when it fell into the river from Telchi bridge in the limits of Diamer district. The bride has been retrieved from the river in injured condition, the police added.

“As many as 27 people were onboard the bus,” the official said, adding that 11 people were still missing. The vehicle has also been recovered from the river, the deputy commission said, adding that a search operation was underway to recover the 11 missing people.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan, Leader of the House Senator Ishaq Dar and leader of the opposition Syed Shibli Faraz have expressed sorrow over the loss of human lives in the coaster accident.