A tragic incident occurred in the Neelam Valley area of Pakistan-administered Kashmir when a van plunged from a mountain road into the Neelam River on Sunday, June 9, 2024. The event resulted in 16 fatalities, primarily children. However, four people managed to escape by leaping out of the van before it was submerged.
Rescue operations have been active since the incident, resulting in the retrieval of six bodies thus far. Search parties, including local residents and the Pakistan Army, are still looking for the remaining victims. A police spokesperson noted, “Given the river’s conditions and the time elapsed, the chances of survival are very slim.”
The Kashmir region, split between India and Pakistan, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. However, it is also known for its dangerous roads. Road accidents frequently occur in Pakistan due to substandard road infrastructure and non-compliance with traffic regulations. A disaster management authority official commented, “This is a tragic reminder of the need for improved road safety measures.”
The Neelam Valley is especially infamous for its treacherous, twisting mountain roads. The official added, “Drivers often take unnecessary risks, and the roads are not maintained to a safe standard.”
This recent tragedy is not an isolated event. A previous accident last month in the southwestern province of Baluchistan caused 28 deaths and 20 injuries when a speeding passenger bus fell into a rocky ravine. These consecutive accidents highlight the pressing need for better road safety across the nation.
Despite promises from the government to tackle these issues, progress has been slow. “Road safety must become a priority to prevent further tragedies,” stressed a spokesperson from a local NGO.
This tragedy does not only highlight road safety issues but also the broader issue of infrastructure development in remote regions of Pakistan. An expert on regional development emphasized, “Investment in infrastructure is crucial, not just for economic development but for the safety of our citizens. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities.”
In spite of the grim situation, the resilience of the affected community shines through. A local leader stated, “We will rebuild and move forward. But we will never forget those who lost their lives.”
