At least 22 passengers were killed and 1 injured on Sunday when a coaster traveling from Kahuta to Rawalpindi fell into a ditch, a rescue official said.
“The accident was caused due to the coaster’s failed brakes,” Rescue 1122 Punjab official Usman Gujjar said.
The bodies are currently being shifted to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Kahuta, he said, adding that 26 passengers were on board.
According to the rescue official, victims included 15 men, 6 women and 1 child.
“The tragic accident occurred on the Girari Bridge of Kahuta’s Azad Pattan Road,” the official further said.
The interior ministry, however, said 29 had died in that crash.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in a statement expressed “heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased in both accidents.”
Condolences pour in
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed “deep grief over the loss of precious lives” in the accident.
“My sympathies are with the bereaved families in this hour of sorrow,” he said, according to a post shared by his party, PPP, on the X platform.
He also emphasised on the need to “speed up relief activities”.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that she felt “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives“.
“May Allah exalt the ranks of those who died in this tragedy and grant patience to their loved ones,” she said on X.
This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
Additional input from Reuters
