Six tourists, including five women, lost their lives in a tragic accident on Friday when their vehicle plunged into the Neelum River. The incident occurred in Chilhana, a remote and hilly area of Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir.
The vehicle was en route to Muzaffarabad from Neelum Valley when it veered off a dangerously narrow and damaged mountain road. Due to the absence of a protective safety wall, it rolled down thousands of feet into the river. Witnesses reported hearing screams before the vehicle disappeared from view.
Rescue workers arrived at the spot quickly. Teams from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) joined the operation, which involved navigating the rocky terrain and fast river currents. Locals also helped in retrieving the bodies and searching for any possible survivors.
Officials said the exact cause of the crash has not been confirmed, but early reports suggest road conditions and lack of proper safety barriers were key factors. Tourists often take this scenic but risky route, especially in summer.
This heartbreaking incident has raised fresh concerns about the poor condition of roads in popular tourist regions. Locals and visitors alike are urging the government to improve safety infrastructure before more lives are lost.