A tragic accident has claimed the lives of 26 individuals from a wedding party when their bus plunged off the Telchi Bridge and fell onto the banks of the Indus River in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Among the victims were the bride and groom, who were to be celebrated guests at the joyous ceremony. This incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, has sent shockwaves across the local community, illuminating the perilous conditions of transport and infrastructure within the region.
According to authorities, the bus was carrying 27 passengers and was en route to the Chakwal district of Punjab province. Reports indicate the bus was travelling at high speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the bridge. Eyewitness accounts describe the moments of chaos as the bus careened over the edge and plummeted to the riverside.
While rescuers managed to recover 13 bodies from the waters, the official tally of the dead varies considerably. Initial reports suggested between 14 to 22 fatalities, though local officials have confirmed the recovery of 16 bodies at the time of this report. Senior Superintendent of Police for Diamer, Sher Khan, stated, “Sixteen dead bodies have been recovered from the river, with the search continuing for the remaining passengers.” The urgency of the search was compounded by the freezing temperatures of the region, which posed significant risks to rescuers and necessitated immediate action.
The bride, who sustained injuries during the accident, was initially rescued but later succumbed to her wounds at the hospital. Out of the deceased, about 19 were reported to originate from the Astore area, with four others, including the groom, hailing from Chakwal.
Local divers and search teams, comprising five divers and two boats, took part in the rescue operations. The bus's wreckage was eventually retrieved with the help of cranes, but the extent of the tragedy remains overwhelming.
Accidents of this nature are not uncommon within Pakistan’s rural areas, where road conditions are often perilous due to neglect and lack of maintenance. Several months prior, two separate bus accidents resulted in the deaths of 34 individuals. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the pressing need for infrastructural improvements and stringent safety regulations.
This event serves as not only a heart-wrenching loss for those directly involved but also as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by numerous citizens depending on unreliable modes of transport.
