13 dead, 12 missing as wedding coaster falls into river near Astore

GILGIT: Tragedy struck on Tuesday when a coaster carrying wedding guests plunged into the Indus River near the Tahlichi Bridge, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people, with one injured and 12 others still missing.

The vehicle was traveling from Astore Parishing to Chakwal when it veered off course and fell into the swift waters of the river. According to Rescue 1122, the coaster had 25 people on board at the time of the accident. Wazir Asad Ali, Public Relations Officer for Rescue 1122, confirmed to HUM News that an injured woman was rescued, and 13 bodies, including those of two women and five men, were recovered. The search for the remaining passengers continues.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by challenging conditions, as the wreckage is lodged mid-river, complicating access for emergency teams. Reinforcements, including additional rescue personnel and a crane from Gilgit, have been dispatched to bolster the operation.

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Expressing his grief over the incident, Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, directed Rescue 1122, district administration, and related agencies to expedite rescue operations. He also instructed health department officials to ensure the provision of optimal medical care for the injured.

Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan, Syed Mehdi Shah, also expressed his sorrow over the tragic accident and instructed health authorities to take immediate steps to assist the injured. He emphasized the need for urgent measures to locate the missing passengers and extended his prayers for the swift recovery of the injured, noting his deep sadness over the loss of precious lives.