SWAT: At least eight passengers were killed when a pick-up van plunged into a deep ditch in Pandher area of Chagharzai, Buner, on Thursday.

Police reported that the driver, en route from Swarai Bazaar to Shahi village through the hilly terrain, lost control over the vehicle due to a brake failure.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the vehicle veered off the road upon reaching the Baba Peza area, tumbling down approximately a kilometre before coming to a halt. The accident resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, leading to on-the-spot death of all eight occupants, including five women, two children and the driver. All were members of the same family.

Muqrab Khan, a local journalist, said that remoteness of the area posed challenges for the rescue operation. Despite difficulties, local residents actively participated in rescue efforts and transported the deceased to a hospital in Sawarai.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2024