Tragic Bus Accident in Gilgit-Baltistan: 20 Dead, 21 Injured

At least 20 people lost their lives and 21 sustained injuries on Friday morning in a tragic incident where a passenger bus overturned on the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district, as confirmed by rescue officials.

The bus, owned by a private company, was en route from Rawalpindi to Gilgit when the driver lost control near Gunar Farm, causing the bus to overturn and land near the Indus River banks around 5:30 am, said Diamer district rescue officer Shoukat Riaz.

The injured have been taken to Chilas Hospital, where many succumbed to their injuries, reducing the initial count of 35 injured, as stated by the rescue officer.

GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed three women among the deceased, mentioning a total of 43 passengers on board.

Local resident Mohammad Zaman reported a swift response from the community, with many donating blood and volunteers assisting in transporting the injured and deceased to the hospital.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the affected families. He directed authorities to ensure all injured receive necessary medical attention.