Gilgit-Baltistan [PoK], May 3 : At least 20 people were killed and 21 others injured after a passenger bus veered off a narrow mountain road and fell into a ravine in Diamer district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan, Geo News reported, citing police.
The accident occurred at the Yashokhal area on the Karakoram Highway in PoK's Diamer on Friday at 5:30 am (local time), according to police. The bus was heading from Rawalpindi to Gilgit. According to police, at least 38 passengers were travelling in the bus.
Following the accident, rescue teams were dispatched to the site of the accident. The injured people and the dead bodies were taken to a hospital in Chilas. The deceased people included three women, according to the Health Department director, Geo News reported.
Speaking to Geo News, Diamer Deputy Commissioner Fayyaz Ahmed said that the condition of at least five injured passengers is serious, while two have been shifted to Gilgit city. Ahmed said that he is in touch with the families of the victims.
The official said, "The accident took place 20 kilometres away from Chilas city. The bus met with an accident while overspeeding or taking a turn."
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan offered his condolences over the incident. He ordered the administration and rescuers to provide immediate medical aid to the injured. Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson announced that an emergency has been imposed in Chilas Hospital.
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