13 killed as jeep plunges into ditch in Muzaffarabad

Thirteen people including women and children were killed when a jeep skidded off the highway and plunged into a ditch in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad on Wednesday.

According to officials at the Panjgaran police station, the accident occurred at around 11 am when a jeep skidded off the highway and plunged into Neelum River. The deceased included four women and three children.

As soon as the incident was reported, the rescue officials immediately reached the site of the accident and started the rescue operation.

Rescuers transferred the victims’ bodies to a morgue for medico-legal procedures and provided medical assistance to the injured at a nearby hospital. Rescue operations were hindered by rain in the area, causing difficulties for the rescue teams.

Such accidents are common in hilly Azad Kashmir due to poor road conditions, speeding, risky driving practices, and inadequate maintenance of public transport. Inclement weather, including rain and bad conditions, worsens the situation.