At least 14 individuals have lost their lives after a bus transporting wedding attendees plunged into a river in Pakistan.
The bus was carrying approximately 24 travelers. Efforts are ongoing to locate bodies and survivors.
There are conflicting accounts regarding the fatalities, with some local officials reporting that 18 individuals have been confirmed dead following the accident in the Indus River in northern Pakistan.
Reports indicate that the bus veered off the road at the Thalichi Bridge. A group of 27 individuals was en route to Chakwal, a city situated in the Punjab province, according to government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq.
At least nine individuals are believed to still be unaccounted for.
Mr. Faraq mentioned that, so far, only one woman has been discovered alive and is receiving treatment at a hospital.
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The reason for the crash has not yet been established. Authorities have yet to obtain a statement from the survivor.
However, Reuters reported that local officials believe the driver may have lost control of the vehicle while traveling at a high speed.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his condolences following the incident.
The president also urged rescuers to expedite their efforts in locating the remaining missing passengers.
Accidents on the roads are prevalent in Pakistan, largely due to inadequate infrastructure. In August, over 30 people were killed and many more injured in two distinct bus accidents.
