KATHMANDU: On Friday morning, a tragic accident occurred on the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district, resulting in the death of at least 20 people and injuring 21 others, according to rescue officials.

The accident involved a passenger bus belonging to a private company that was traveling from Rawalpindi to Gilgit when the driver lost control near Gunar Farm, as reported by Diamer district rescue officer Shoukat Riaz. The bus subsequently overturned and landed near the banks of the Indus River around 5:30 am, Riaz added.

The injured individuals have been rushed to Chilas Hospital, with Riaz noting that the initial count of injured individuals was 35, but many succumbed to their injuries. Faizullah Faraq, a spokesperson for the GB government, mentioned that among the deceased are three women.

Local resident Mohammad Zaman shared that a significant number of people have gathered at the hospital to donate blood for the injured. He also mentioned the assistance provided by local volunteers in transferring the injured and deceased to the hospital.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences for the loss of lives and extended sympathies to the affected families. He directed that the injured individuals receive every possible medical treatment. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also conveyed his condolences and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured, expressing solidarity with the grieving families.