In the picturesque yet perilous terrain of the Neelam Valley in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a tragic accident occurred on Sunday, June 9, 2024. A van fell off a mountain road into the Neelam River, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals, a majority of whom were children. Four passengers managed to survive by leaping from the vehicle before it was submerged.
Rescue efforts are underway with six bodies recovered thus far. Civilians, along with the Pakistan Army, are working tirelessly in the search for the remaining victims. A police spokesperson stated, “Given the river’s conditions and the time elapsed, the chances of survival are very slim.”
The Kashmir region, split between Pakistan and India, is famed for its scenic beauty but is equally known for its dangerous roads. Road mishaps are a frequent occurrence in Pakistan, often attributed to inadequate infrastructure and non-compliance with traffic rules. A disaster management authority official noted, “This is a tragic reminder of the need for improved road safety measures.”
The Neelam Valley is especially infamous for its treacherous, winding mountain roads. “Drivers often take unnecessary risks, and the roads are not maintained to a safe standard,” the official added.
This accident is not an isolated incident. Just last month, a similar event in the southwestern Baluchistan province resulted in 28 fatalities and 20 injuries when a speeding passenger bus plummeted into a rocky ravine. Such repeated incidents magnify the pressing need for enhanced road safety across the country.
Although the government has pledged to address these issues, progress has been slow. A local NGO spokesperson stressed, “Road safety must become a priority to prevent further tragedies.”
The incident has also brought into focus the larger issue of infrastructure development in Pakistan’s remote regions. An expert on regional development voiced, “Investment in infrastructure is crucial, not just for economic development but for the safety of our citizens. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities.”
Despite the grim circumstances, the resilience of the affected community is apparent. A local leader expressed, “We will rebuild and move forward. But we will never forget those who lost their lives.”
