Prime Minister Faisal Rathore orders inquiry, urges travellers to pay attention to their safety
According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the public transport vehicle was traveling from Goriyal to Batgran village. At approximately 4pm, just two kilometers into its journey, the vehicle veered off the treacherous Jagran road and tumbled over 300 feet before landing amidst large boulders in the raging Jagran stream.
The vehicle was completely wrecked after hitting the streambed strewn with large boulders, as shown in photographs from the scene.
Upon receiving the report, rescue teams from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Neelum and Rescue 1122 rushed to the remote site. Following a difficult recovery operation in the rugged terrain, the injured were provided first aid and shifted via ambulance to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital.
Officials confirmed that two men and two women died instantly. The driver and a 14-year-old boy survived the fall but sustained significant injuries.
The deceased were identified as Munir, 20, son of Bashirullah, Parveen, 35, wife of Lal Hussain, Nazir Ahmed, 65, son of Ali Ahmed, and Shareena Bibi, 35, wife of Attique – all residents of Batgran village.
The injured were identified as Kamran, 40, son of Gulzaman, the driver of the ill-fated jeep, and Naqash, 14, son of Lal Hussain.
Director General SDMA, Saeedur Rehman Qureshi, expressed deep grief over the tragedy. While an official investigation was underway, Mr Qureshi noted that reckless driving and the use of dilapidated vehicles were the primary catalysts for such accidents in the highlands.
“Unfortunately, speeding and the operation of unfit vehicles often result in devastating human losses, shattering entire families,” he said, urging the relevant departments to strictly enforce vehicle fitness standards. He also appealed to motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly in hilly areas.
AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister said he had directed hospital authorities to provide the highest quality medical care to the survivors.
“We cannot let this continue,” the Prime Minister stated. “I’ve ordered a full investigation and tasked authorities with developing a rigorous regime to prevent such tragedies—starting with the long-overlooked fitness of public transport vehicles that have outlived their road life.”
He also issued a call to action for the citizenry: “While the government must enforce safety, I urge the public to play your part. You are your own first line of defense. Before boarding, ensure the vehicle appears fit and the driver is responsible. Let’s prioritize safety together.”
Tariq Naqash
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