Tragedy as bus carrying wedding guests plunges into river

A tragic accident unfolded in northern Pakistan on Tuesday when a bus carrying wedding guests veered off the road and plunged into the Indus River, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people, local authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred in the rugged and mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan while the bus was en route to Chakwal, a city in Punjab province, according to government spokesperson Faizullah Farqan.

The accident has triggered an extensive search and rescue operation involving local divers, emergency responders, and military personnel, who are grappling with fast-flowing river currents and the difficult terrain.

The Pakistani Red Crescent has also deployed resources to support the search efforts. Despite their dedication, the challenging conditions have made the mission arduous, raising concerns about the possibility of finding more survivors.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy and extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. He called on rescue teams to intensify their search efforts to locate any remaining passengers.

“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this devastating accident,” President Zardari stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to provide support to the victims’ families during this painful time.

The accident has underscored the urgent need to address road safety issues in Pakistan, where road mishaps are common, particularly in remote and mountainous areas.

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Contributing factors often include deteriorating infrastructure, narrow roads lacking guardrails, and minimal adherence to traffic regulations and safety standards. Additionally, many vehicles in rural regions are poorly maintained, further elevating the risk of accidents.

This latest incident follows a series of similar road tragedies in the country. Just two months prior, 36 people lost their lives, and many others were injured in two separate bus crashes, further highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing road safety crisis.

In response to Tuesday’s accident, local officials and safety advocates have called for immediate action, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws and significant investments in road infrastructure.

These measures are viewed as essential to curbing the high incidence of fatal accidents and ensuring safer travel for residents, especially in regions where roads pose a persistent threat to motorists.

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The Gilgit-Baltistan region, known for its scenic yet treacherous roads, has witnessed multiple accidents over the years, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety reforms.

As the nation mourns the loss of the wedding guests, calls for improved safety and preventative measures have gained momentum, urging the government to take decisive steps to protect lives on Pakistan’s roads