Eleven Dead After Passenger Van Plunges Into Yasin River in Pakistan

A tragic accident in northern Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region has resulted in the deaths of eleven individuals, including a young infant, after a passenger van skidded off a mountain road and plunged into the Yasin River. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, November 12, 2026, as the vehicle was transporting local commuters from the regional capital of Gilgit to Yasin Valley. The van lost control near the Morkah Yasin Bridge in Ghizer district, leading to a swift and devastating plunge into the icy waters below.

Witnesses reported hearing the impact echo through the canyon as the van veered off the narrow road, which had become treacherous due to fading light and dropping temperatures. Residents from nearby areas rushed to the scene with flashlights and ropes, attempting to assist before official rescue teams could arrive. The swift current of the river quickly engulfed the vehicle, complicating recovery efforts.

Emergency responders from Rescue 1122 and local police arrived to find the van partially submerged against the river's rocky bed, with shattered glass and personal belongings scattered along the banks. Rescuers waded into the frigid waters to pry open the jammed doors, working against the clock to save any trapped occupants. Tragically, eleven passengers were confirmed dead at the scene, having succumbed to blunt force trauma and drowning before help could reach them.

Among the deceased were women and a young infant, highlighting the tragic nature of the accident. Two survivors were rescued from the wreckage, suffering from severe hypothermia and bone fractures. They were quickly transported to the District Headquarters Hospital in Gahkuch for urgent medical care. A police official provided details during a briefing, stating, "The van was en route from Gilgit to Yasin Valley when the driver lost control on a sharp curve near the bridge and the vehicle fell directly into the river."

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the driver was among the deceased or one of the two injured survivors. The mountainous terrain of Ghizer district is known for its perilous roads, often lacking adequate safety measures such as retaining walls or crash barriers. This leaves little room for error, especially for aging commercial vans that navigate these dangerous routes.

Local transport operators frequently rely on older commuter vans to connect remote valleys with urban centers for essential services. However, mechanical inspections are sporadic, and many vehicles operate on unlit roads after dark, exposing passengers to significant risks, particularly during the winter months when conditions can be treacherous.

In response to the accident, heavy recovery machinery was dispatched to the riverbank on Friday morning to retrieve the crumpled vehicle for inspection. Police have initiated a formal accident report and are examining the van's steering and braking systems as part of their investigation. Meanwhile, the two injured survivors remain under medical observation as authorities work to document the identities of the deceased for family notifications.

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing concerns regarding road safety in Pakistan's mountainous regions, where infrastructure challenges and vehicle maintenance issues continue to pose significant risks to commuters.

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