SWAT: Two persons were killed and another sustained injuries when a car plunged into the Swat River on Friday. The incident occurred in Jalband area of Kalam.

The Kalam police said the driver lost control over the vehicle due to the deteriorated condition of the road.

They said the car veered off its path and plunged into the river, claiming the lives of Imtiaz and Ahmed Zaib, both local residents.

Residents retrieved the bodies and injured individual from the wreckage of the car and shifted them to Kalam Hospital.

Meanwhile, a snow avalanche blocked Mahodand Road near Chashma Shifa in Kalam area, leaving scores of tourists and locals stranded.

According to residents, the snow avalanche struck the road to the popular tourist destination of Mahodand, blocking all types of traffic.

The stranded tourists appealed to the authorities for immediate reopening of the road so they could reach their destinations safely.

Both the incidents highlight the pressing need for road improvement in the area, as poorly maintained roads continue to endanger the lives of residents and visitors alike.

The Swat Valley, a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking beauty, has often faced challenges related to road safety, especially during the harsh weather conditions that exacerbate the poor state of its roads.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2024