A tragic accident unfolded in northern Pakistan on Tuesday when a bus carrying wedding guests plunged into the Indus River, killing at least 18 people, local officials confirmed.
The incident occurred in the Gilgit-Baltistan region as the bus conveying the wedding guests was en route to Chakwal, a city in Punjab province, said government spokesperson Faizullah Farqan.
According to the Associated Press, Authorities are continuing a search and rescue operation to recover bodies and locate any potential survivors.Rescue efforts have been challenging due to the fast-flowing river currents and difficult terrain in the mountainous region, officials said.
Emergency teams, including local divers and military personnel, have been deployed to assist in the search, with the Pakistani Red Crescent also mobilizing resources.
Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, expressed his deep condolences to the families of those killed and urged rescuers to expedite their efforts to find any missing passengers.
“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this devastating accident,” Zardari stated, as he pledged government support for the families of the victims.
Road accidents are a frequent occurrence in Pakistan, largely due to deteriorating infrastructure, mountainous roads lacking guardrails, and a general disregard for traffic laws and safety standards.
Many of the vehicles, particularly in rural areas, are outdated and poorly maintained, adding to the risks on treacherous routes.Just two months earlier, 36 people were killed and dozens more injured in two separate bus accidents, highlighting the ongoing road safety crisis.
Local authorities have called for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations and increased investment in infrastructure improvements to prevent further tragedies on Pakistan’s roads.
