PESHAWAR - At least 14 passengers, including six children, have lost their lives when a passengers van plunged into a deep ravine in Kotgala area, Battagram district on Tuesday.
According to details, a passenger van (No-VN2384) was on way to Battagram from Thakot district, Mansehra when suddenly driver lost control over vehicle and resultantly fell into a deep ditch.
Rescue teams and local people rushed to site after the incident and took part in the rescue activities. After hectic efforts, the dead bodies were retrieved from the ravine and were shifted to district Headquarters Hospital Battagram.
Those who died in the accident were identified as Abdul Rehman, Sirajul Haq, Mohammad Ibrahim, Mohammad Niaz, Mohammad Adil, Mohammad Daud, Mohammad Waqar, Goryal Ahmad, Nabeela Bibi, Sadia Bibi, Shah Khalid, Mohammad Israr, Gul Mohammad and Ashfaq.
DIG Hazara range Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur said that after hectic efforts the dead bodies were retrieved from the ravine. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Battagram Zarif Almani also confirmed the incident.
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle fell into thousands feet deep ravine, when the driver due to unknown reasons lost control over vehicle. Two among the dead are sisters namely Nabeela Bibi and Sadia Bibi daughters of Samiul Haq.