Two teenagers drown in Mangla Dam, bodies recovered

MIRPUR: The bodies of two teenage boys who drowned in Mangla Dam in Azad Jammu and Kashmir were recovered after a joint rescue operation, officials said on Tuesday.

The victims were identified as 15-year-old Hasnain, son of Tariq Mahmood and a resident of Sector C-3, and 15-year-old Abdullah Nasir, son of Nasir and a resident of Sector C-4 in Mirpur, according to Pawanda Water Rescue.

The boys drowned near Bohar Colony on the banks of Mangla Dam, prompting a search operation involving teams from Pawanda Water Rescue and Rescue 1122.

Rescue officials said that the search began early in the morning and continued until both bodies were located and retrieved from the water.

After recovery, the bodies were handed over to the Thothal police station house officer to complete legal formalities, rescue authorities said.

Police said that an investigation into the incident was under way and authorities were examining various aspects of the case.

The deaths sparked grief in the local community, with residents expressing sorrow over the loss of the two teenagers.

Drowning incidents are relatively common during the summer months in Pakistan, particularly at rivers, canals and reservoirs where people often swim to escape the scorching heat despite safety risks and limited rescue facilities in some areas.