20 Killed as Bus Plunges into Ravine in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan Region

Peshawar: At least 20 people were killed when a passenger bus skidded off a mountainous terrain and plunged into a ravine in northwest Pakistan on Friday, authorities said.

incident occurred on Karakoram Highway in Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan region when bus was on its way from Rawalpindi to Hunza and driver lost control of vehicle, a police official said.

It was not clear as to how many passengers were aboard bus, official said.

At least 15 people, who were injured in incident, have been moved to a hospital in Chilas, official said.

Rescue efforts are in progress and de bodies are being shifted to hospital, official said.

A hospital source said three women were among de.

source said death toll was expected to rise furr as many of injured were in critical condition.

Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed condolences over incident and directed ministration to provide immediate medical aid to injured.

Giltgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said an emergency was declared at Chilas Hospital after accident. 

(Except for heline, Republic has not edited content)