Tragedy Strikes Neelum Valley, Claims Six Lives
The Neelum Valley accident has raised concerns about the region's road infrastructure and the need for stricter traffic regulations, with officials calling for increased caution and vigilance among motorists to prevent such tragedies in the future.
A devastating road accident in Azad Kashmir's Neelum Valley has resulted in the deaths of six people, including five women and one man, with one child still missing, sparking concerns about road safety in the region's hilly terrain.
The incident occurred when a tourist vehicle carrying seven people, including six members of a family, skidded off the narrow mountain road and plunged into the Neelum River. The cause of the crash is suspected to be a skid, but investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident. The victims, who hailed from Botha Tanda, were on their way to visit relatives in Jura town when the tragedy struck.
The deceased were identified as Ameer Khan, 65, his wife Gulshan Bibi, 50, and their daughters Naima Bibi, 23, and Mishal Bibi, 21, as well as Sundas, 27, and Halima Basheer, 27. The AJK Prime Minister, Legislative Assembly Speaker, and other officials have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, urging motorists to exercise caution while driving on the region's mountainous roads. The incident highlights the common occurrence of fatal accidents on roads in AJK due to traffic rule violations, treacherous terrain, and poor infrastructure.
As the search operation for the missing child continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved road safety measures in the region, particularly during the summer months when tourist traffic increases. The authorities must take immediate action to address the underlying causes of such accidents and ensure that the roads in Neelum Valley are safe for all travelers.