Pakistan accident kills 23 army personnel, injures several others

A road accident in northern Pakistan has killed at least 23 army personnel and injured several others.

Early Saturday, a Gilgit-bound bus plunged into the Indus River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province’s Kohistan district.

“According to initial information, 23 soldiers died in a road accident when their bus plunged into a ravine on the Karakoram Highway,” a senior military official said.

According to officials, the bodies were transferred to the Shitial Civil Hospital.

Local officials say the vehicle was taking 27 people including 25 soldiers, a civilian driver and a cleaner from Swat to Gilgit Baltisan.

Military sources say the soldiers were on leave.

Due to poor road construction, lacking of proper driving skills, and badly maintained vehicles, accidents are common in Pakistan.