UPPER DIR: Three persons were killed and seven others injured when a vehicle plunged into ravine in the Gwaldai area of Upper Dir district on Tuesday.
According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle was carrying several passengers when it suddenly veered off a narrow road and plunged into a deep ravine. The road, known for its sharp turns and lack of protective barriers, proved fatal as the vehicle rolled down several hundred feet into a rocky gorge. The passengers, mostly local residents, were reportedly on their way to a nearby village when the accident occurred.
Emergency responders, along with local villagers, rushed to the scene and carried out rescue efforts despite the difficult terrain. The injured were pulled from the wreckage and transported to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Sheringal. Medical staff at the hospital confirmed that three people, including a child, had died from their injuries. Two of the injured remain in critical condition, while the others are being treated for various fractures and trauma.
The deceased victims have not yet been officially identified, as authorities are in the process of informing their families. Hospital sources confirmed that the young girl was around 8 to 10 years old and died on the spot due to severe head injuries. Locals expressed anger over the deteriorating condition of roads in the region. Residents of Upper Dir have long complained about the lack of proper road infrastructure, poor maintenance, and the absence of safety barriers, particularly along routes that pass through mountainous terrain. Several residents noted that such accidents have become alarmingly common, and their repeated appeals for road repairs and safety measures have gone unheard.
One local, speaking to media outlets, said, “We’ve lost too many lives because of these dangerous roads. It’s time for the government to act before more families are destroyed.” Local authorities confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. While brake failure has not been ruled out, officials are also considering the possibility that the poor condition of the road played a major role.
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