MANSEHRA: Eight members of a family were killed and three sustained critical injuries when a vehicle plunged into the Siren River in Gujjara area here on Sunday.

The vehicle was on its way to Tarmung village in Pulrah area, when the driver while negotiating a sharp turn on a steep road lost control over the steering. As a result, the vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into the river.

The police and locals fished out the bodies and shifted them to the Civil Hospital, Pulrah. Three injured were rushed to the King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, Mansehra, in critical condition.

The deceased were identified as Mohammad Ajaz, Mohammad Pervez, Wazir Mohammad, Shaheen Bibi, Fareeda Bibi and Nagina Bibi along with her two minor sons.

According to the police, the family was returning to their home after shopping in Mansehra city.

Local MNA Mohammad Sajjad Awan also rushed to the spot and supervised the rescue work.

“It is unfortunate that the communication and works department did not build boundary wall along the road at this dangerous point, where fatal accidents have frequently occurred,” he regretted.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2021