A tragic accident occurred in Gilgit-Baltistan when a passenger bus carrying wedding guests from Astore to Chakwal plunged into the river near Thalichi Bridge. The catastrophic incident has claimed 14 lives so far, with 12 individuals still missing. In an extraordinary turn of events, the bride survived the crash and was transported to the Provincial Headquarters Hospital in Gilgit for treatment, despite sustaining injuries.
According to initial reports, the groom and his mother were among the 14 confirmed fatalities, adding to the devastation faced by the wedding party. The accident was attributed to excessive speeding, which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The bus ultimately broke through the safety barrier of the bridge and fell into the river below. Both local authorities and police confirmed that the accident occurred at Thalichi Bridge, triggering an immediate and extensive rescue operation.
Emergency response measures were swiftly put into place, with hospitals in Gilgit, Astore, and Jaglot put on high alert to manage the influx of casualties. The wedding procession had originally departed from the Parishing area of Astore and was on its way to Chakwal, Punjab. The rescue operations began promptly but were significantly hindered as night fell, making further search and recovery efforts difficult.
In response to the crisis, local authorities sought additional support from the Diamer-Bhasha Dam administration and officials in Upper Kohistan to bolster rescue efforts. The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, alongside other government officials, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and directed that every available resource be employed to assist in the rescue mission.
Police sources explained that the accident was a direct result of speeding. The bus driver, unable to maintain control, allowed the vehicle to veer off its path and break through the bridge’s safety barrier before plunging into the river. The severity of the crash underscored the critical need for caution and adherence to speed regulations, especially on routes as precarious as those in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Rescue teams have faced numerous challenges, particularly as nightfall made visibility poor and hindered their ability to search the river effectively. Despite these obstacles, efforts continue to locate the 12 individuals who remain unaccounted for. The local administration has emphasized their commitment to ongoing search operations until every person involved in the tragic incident is found.
The accident has cast a shadow of grief over both Astore and the wider Gilgit-Baltistan region, with community members and officials mourning the loss of life and praying for the safe recovery of those still missing. The bride’s survival, though miraculous, is marked by deep sorrow as she mourns the loss of her loved ones, including the groom and other family members.
The Gilgit-Baltistan government and local authorities remain determined to provide support to affected families and ensure comprehensive rescue efforts. This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the potentially dire consequences of high-speed driving in mountainous regions.
