Nine Chinese workers killed in Kohistan accident

KOHISTAN: Nine Chinese nationals and three Pakistanis were killed on Wednesday in Upper Kohistan when the bus carrying them met with an accident, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said in a statement.

The MoFA 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 ministry’s statement.

The ministry disclosed that Chinese workers and accompanying Pakistani staff were proceeding to their workplace 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,” said the MoFA. 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.