At least five people were killed and 13 others were injured on Sunday when a bus carrying tourists plunged into a ravine on the Karakoram Highway near the Thalichi area in Gilgit Baltistan’s Diamer district, police said.
Diamer Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Muhammad Ayaz confirmed the death toll and the number of injured to Dawn.com, adding that the deceased included three women, a child and a man.
He further said that the vehicle was heading to Gilgit from Lahore.
Local residents helped rescue efforts, following which the injured were shifted to hospital.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the lives lost in the accident. He also ordered an inquiry to ascertain the facts leading to the fatal accident.
The premier directed the relevant authorities to undertake immediate relief activities, while also directing federal departments to lend their assistance.
He directed authorities to provide medical treatment to those injured and also prayed for their early recovery.
