MANSEHRA: Rafting operators on Wednesday rescued four TikTokers after their vehicle was swept away by the Kunhar River near Naran, when they were allegedly attempting to film a stunt.

“Thanks to the rafting operators, who acted swiftly and rescued four friends after the fast-flowing Kunhar River swept away their vehicle,” Balakot DSP Sadaqat Nisar told reporters.

According to witnesses, Sultan Jameel, Ali Usman, Mohsan Ali and Faizan Ali from Sargodha were at the riverside in the Damgalla area when their pick-up slipped into the river while they filmed a video. The strong currents carried away the vehicle, along with the four occupants.

The rafting operators, risking their own lives, immediately sailed to the spot, rescued the four men and brought them safely to the riverbank.

The vehicle was later retrieved and handed over to the owners. “If the rafting guides had not acted swiftly, all four men could have lost their lives,” the DSP said. He urged tourists visiting the Kaghan Valley to refrain from endangering their lives for social media content or other purposes.

However, when approached by reporters, Sultan Jameel denied that they had been filming a TikTok video.

“One of us was driving the pick-up truck along the Kunhar riverside to reach our campsite when it slipped into the deep water, putting our lives in danger. The rafting operators saved us,” he said.

The police have announced rewards for the rafting guides in recognition of their bravery and timely rescue.

Meanwhile, three tourists, including two girls, sustained critical burns after a gas cylinder exploded in the Damdama area near Naran.

The family was preparing a meal when the cylinder exploded, leaving Fida Mohammad, Ayna Bibi and Marha Bibi seriously injured.

Rescue personnel shifted the injured to a nearby health facility, from where they were referred to the King Abdullah Teaching Hospital in Mansehra.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2026