A tragic accident claimed the lives of at least 26 people when a bus carrying wedding party guests plunged off the Telchi Bridge and fellinto the Indus River in northern Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region on November 12, 2024. Among the deceased were the bride and the groom, adding to the heartbreak surrounding this unfortunate event.
Authorities stated the bus was carrying 27 passengers, all of whom were heading to Chakwal, situated in Punjab province, as part of the wedding festivities. The accident occurred around 1 PM local time when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle due to overspeeding, which led to the bus crashing through the barriers of the bridge.
Rescue and recovery operations commenced swiftly, with local residents joining police and divers to search for the victims. Up to 26 bodies were eventually recovered from the icy waters of the Indus River, with local officials noting the grim prospects for those still missing, as the river's strong current made rescue efforts challenging.
"The death toll has increased to 26, and one woman remains unhurt from the accident," confirmed Muhammad Zubair, a local police official. While the details were still being sorted, initial reports indicated at least 12 people were unaccounted for, raising hopes of more survivors being found.
Sadly, the bride was among the passengers and was reported to have survived initially with serious injuries. She was transported to the hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after. The groom was not as fortunate and is among those presumed dead.
This devastating incident highlights the persistent issue of road safety within Pakistan. Fatal accidents are frequently seen, particularly on poorly maintained rural roads. August had already seen two separate incidents claim the lives of 34 people across different regions of the country.
According to investigations, the bus had been speeding when it approached the bridge, which has gained notoriety for similar accidents over the years. Local drivers often disregard speed regulations, resulting in perilous conditions on the roads. Highway safety measures, including speed cameras and additional law enforcement presence, have been considered but remain inadequately enforced.
President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi, expressed his condolences to the victims' families through social media and directed authorities to expedite their recovery efforts. An emotional plea for improved traffic rules and regulation adherence emerged as officials took to press conferences to address the recurring nature of these mishaps.
Local hospitals were prepared to receive more victims, and community response teams were mobilized to aid grieving families and provide psychological support as the community struggled to cope with the loss.
This latest accident follows multiple tragic events within the nation, drawing attention to the dire need for infrastructural improvements and stricter traffic regulations. The rising death toll associated with road incidents is prompting activists and citizens alike to demand accountability and increased safety measures.
The search operation continues, with local and national authorities calling for the Pakistan Navy to assist if necessary, indicating the scale of the recovery effort required. This horrific accident serves as another reminder to reevaluate safety regulations and improve road infrastructure to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
