Three tourists killed as glacier collapses in Naran

NARAN: At least three people were killed after a glacier collapsed on tourists in Batakundi near Naran on Friday.

The deceased, who have been identified as Tahir Mehmood (35), his son Abu Bakr (13), and Tayyab (22), were residents of Mughalpura, Lahore, rescue officials and police said.

According to the Kaghan Development Authority (KDA), the incident occurred near the Sohni waterfall when the tourists were taking photos beneath the glacier, which suddenly collapsed and buried them. All three died on the spot.

The bodies have been transported from Naran to Lahore after medico-legal formalities.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Adviser Zahid Chun Zayeb expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic incident. He directed relevant departments to fully cooperate with the affected family and advised tourists to avoid unstable areas and risky selfie spots.

He further stressed the importance of promoting safety awareness at tourist destinations and instructed authorities to make safety measures at scenic sites more effective.

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He said that that the government has directed authorities to strengthen protective measures at scenic spots.

“Enjoy nature’s beauty, but prioritise caution,” the tourism advisor stressed.

A few days earlier, a tourist from Quetta drowned while filming a TikTok video in the Kunhar River, and another youth was swept away at the Jareed location.

Tourists’ careless behaviour and photo sessions in unsafe areas — including selfies and TikTok videos — are proving extremely dangerous.

Similar incidents have been reported in the past, but authorities have not imposed restrictions on photography at hazardous locations.

Many tourists view such activities as “adventure,” often ignoring the risks, which leads to fatal outcomes.

In the past, tourists had also been buried under glaciers on the road to Lake Saiful Malook, and each year, individuals drown while taking photos in the Kunhar River.

Despite this, tourists continue to disregard safety measures, and relevant authorities have yet to enforce bans on risky behaviour. These tragedies often turn joyful trips into mourning.

Tourism Advisor Zahid bin Zayeb expressed deep sorrow over the recent incident and announced that steps would be taken to promote safe tourism in the Kaghan Valley, along with awareness campaigns for tourists.

Following the glacier collapse, police transported the bodies to a hospital and later handed them over to the families, who have since left for Lahore with the deceased. The rising number of accidents at tourist destinations is alarming, with selfie and TikTok enthusiasts often falling victim.