Tragic Van Accident in Gilgit-Baltistan: 11 Dead, Two Injured Near Morkah Bridge

Van Falls into River Near Morkah Bridge

A passenger van travelling from Gilgit to Ghizer’s Yasin Valley plunged into the Yasin River on Thursday evening after its driver lost control near Morkah Bridge, according to local police.

Police initially reported that rescue teams had recovered the bodies of 10 passengers, including two women, while three injured passengers, including a child, were rescued and shifted to Gupis Civil Hospital for treatment.

Death Toll Rises to 11, Including an Infant

In a subsequent update, police confirmed that the death toll had risen to 11, including an infant, while two passengers had sustained injuries.

The deceased and injured passengers were residents of Yasin Valley, police said, adding that an investigation was under way to determine the cause of the accident.

GB Chief Minister Orders Immediate Medical Assistance

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the accident.

He directed the district administration, rescue agencies and relevant health department officials to ensure the injured were immediately transported to nearby hospitals and that all available resources were utilised to provide the best possible medical facilities.

He also instructed the administration to ensure that no negligence occurred during rescue operations and that the medical treatment and care of the injured were carefully monitored.

Chief Minister Offers Condolences to Bereaved Families

Expressing heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families, Hussain said the loss of human lives in the tragic accident was “deeply distressing”.

He prayed for eternal peace for the deceased and strength to their families to bear the loss, while hoping for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Recent Road Accidents in Pakistan

Three people were killed and 13 others injured in a collision between a coach and a motorcycle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan on Wednesday, according to Rescue 1122.

Last week, eight people were killed and 30 others injured when a passenger bus travelling from Gilgit to Islamabad collided with a dumper truck near the Havelian Interchange on the Hazara Motorway.

A day earlier, a collision between a passenger bus and a truck claimed the lives of 11 people and left 33 others injured near Punjab’s Pakpattan.