At least 20 dead as bus falls into ravine in Diamer

A passenger bus fell into a ditch at Yashokhal area on the Karakoram Highway in Chilas, killing at least 20 passengers. Death toll in the accident is feared to increase.

According to the initial reports, there were more than 30 passengers onboard the bus bound for Gilgit from Rawalpindi when it plunged into a ravine, killing at least 20 and injuring 21.

Bodies of those who died in the accident and the injured were shifted to hospitals.

Officials said as soon as the accident was reported, rescue teams were dispatched, who reached the accident site and started rescue operations.

An official at the health department said three women were among those who were dead. Meanwhile, five people are in critical condition.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has expressed condolences and grief over the loss of lives in the accident. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The prime minister also directed the authorities concerned to provide all possible medical aid to the injured.

Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan also expressed his condolences over the incident. He directed the administration to provide immediate medical aid to the injured.