Five police officers were killed when a police vehicle immersed themselves in a deep ravine in the Bagh district of Azad Jammu and Kashmira, Express News reported Wednesday.
According to the authorities, the vehicle was on the way from Toli Peer to Lasdana when the accident occurred in a remote area. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Police officers declared that remote location and darkness severely hindered rescue efforts. The emergency response equipment was sent immediately after the incident was reported.
“The number of confirmed martyrs is five,” said a Bagh police spokesman. “However, it is too early to say how many others were in the vehicle. Research and verifications are ongoing.”
The authorities have not yet revealed the total number of passengers or the exact cause of the accident, but formal investigation has been launched.
Ajk’s prime minister Chaudhry Anwar-Ul-Haq, expressed a deep sadness for the loss of lives in the accident. He addressed the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of the Police to reach the scene and guarantee timely rescue and relief operations.
“All relevant administrative units have received instructions to carry out rescue operations without delay,” said Prime Minister’s office. Traffic accidents in mountainous areas of Kashmir are not uncommon, especially on poorly illuminated routes with steep and narrow paths.
