ISLAMABAD: At least 25 passengers lost their lives and one was injured on Sunday when a Rawalpindi-bound coaster, coming from Kahuta, plunged into a ditch after developing some fault, according to a rescue official and the Rawalakot Commissioner.
According to the Rawalakot Commissioner, the coaster with 26 passengers aboard, was on the way from Rawalakot to Rawalpindi when it met the tragedy after developing some fault.
The commissioner stated that the rescue operation was completed and the bodies and injured were transferred to THQ Hospital Kahuta. However, he did not elaborate on the reason behind the incident.
“Brake failure caused the accident,” claimed by Usman Gujjar, an official from Rescue 1122 Punjab. He said that the coaster was carrying 26 passengers at the time of the accident, adding that the bodies and injured were transported to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Kahuta.
“The victims, included: 15 men, six women, and one child,” Gujjar informed, adding the accident took place on the Girari Bridge along Kahuta’s Azad Pattan Road.
Contradicting the rescue official’s account, the interior ministry reported that the death toll had risen to 29.
Condolences have poured in from various quarters, including President Asif Ali Zardari expressed “deep grief over the loss of precious lives” in the tragedy, extending his sympathies to the bereaved families via a message shared by his party on the X platform. He also stressed the importance of “accelerating relief efforts.”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a statement expressing his “heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased in both accidents.”
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the accident, according to Radio Pakistan.
In a statement, he prayed “for the high ranks of the departed souls and patience for their families”.
The premier also directed “authorities to provide immediate medical aid to the injured”.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also regretted the accident.
“I express my heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the families of those who died in the accident,” Ayaz Sadiq said on X.
“The authorities should ensure the provision of immediate medical aid to the injured persons in the accident”.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also conveyed her sorrow over the incident, stating on X that she was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives. She prayed for the deceased, saying, “May Allah exalt the ranks of those who died in this tragedy and grant patience to their loved ones.”
