By Aftab Hussain
SHANGLA: At least three people were killed and two others critically injured in a traffic accident on the Karakoram Highway in Lower Kohistan on Friday, police and local sources said.
The accident occurred in the Treis Banda area when a car travelling from Rawalpindi to Gilgit veered off the main road and plunged down a deep ravine towards the bank of the Indus River.
According to initial reports, the vehicle, bearing registration number LEF-4730, lost control on the mountainous stretch of the highway and skidded off the road. Three passengers died on the spot, while two others sustained serious injuries.
Local sources said the incident took place on a narrow and hazardous section of the highway known for sharp turns and difficult driving conditions. Soon after the accident, local residents, police, and rescue teams reached the site and launched a rescue operation.
The injured and the bodies of the deceased were shifted to a nearby hospital, where officials said the condition of the injured remained critical.
Police officials confirmed that an investigation had been initiated into the incident. Preliminary assessments suggest that over-speeding, loss of control, and the treacherous nature of the mountainous road may have contributed to the crash. However, authorities said the exact cause would be determined after a detailed inquiry.
The deceased were identified as Ashfaq Ahmed, son of Farhan Wali, a resident of Ghafar, Gilgit; Abdul Haseeb, son of Abdul Jabbar, a resident of Chilas; and Umair, son of Noor Muhammad, also from Chilas. All were reportedly travelling towards Gilgit at the time of the accident.
Local administration officials urged motorists to exercise extreme caution while travelling on mountainous routes, particularly on the Karakoram Highway, where difficult terrain, sharp curves, and unpredictable conditions frequently lead to accidents.
Authorities also advised drivers to follow traffic safety rules, maintain moderate speeds, and ensure vehicle fitness before undertaking long journeys in hilly areas to prevent similar tragedies.
