RAWALPINDI: Rescue teams recovered two more bodies from the Jhelum River near Garari Bridge in Rawalpindi on Friday, a day after a hi-ace van plunged into the river, bringing the death toll from the tragic incident to six. District Emergency Officer 1122 Rawalpindi, Sighbatullah, warned that the toll could rise to nine, as three passengers remain missing even after two days of intensive search operations.
The ill-fated van, carrying around 12 passengers from Hajera in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, lost control while navigating a turn near Garari Bridge in the Kahuta area of Rawalpindi on Thursday. Rescue teams had recovered four bodies on Thursday, but low-light conditions forced them to halt further search efforts. Officials expressed concern that the river’s strong current may have carried the missing passengers downstream, complicating rescue operations.
Commissioner Rawalpindi, Engineer Amir Khattak, directed a coordinated effort among the health department, Rescue 1122, traffic police, and tehsil administration to ensure an organized search and rescue operation. The tragedy has revived fears among locals, as the same bridge witnessed another fatal accident on August 24 last year, claiming 24 lives when a bus plunged into the river. Another bus accident in October 2024 left over 14 passengers seriously injured along the Kahuta-Hajera AJK road.
Concerns over vehicle safety and road infrastructure have resurfaced following the incident. Commuters and local residents questioned the fitness of public vehicles and the durability of crash barriers along the Jhelum River route. Zahid Khan, a daily commuter, highlighted reckless driving as a frequent cause of accidents, while Abdul Wahid Khan pointed out missing or fragile crash barriers at dangerous stretches of the road.
Rawalpindi Regional Transport Authority Secretary Syed Abbas Shirazi assured that the van had a valid fitness certificate until February 2026 and a valid route permit until April 2026. He added that the RTA is enforcing vehicle fitness regulations, reporting that in the last two months, 151 vehicles were challaned, 124 were impounded, and fines totaling Rs753,000 were imposed. “Enforcement drives are ongoing to ensure compliance and enhance road safety,” he said, while confirming reports that the driver may have fallen asleep.
Asif Raza, Executive Engineer at the Punjab Highways Department, confirmed the presence of crash barriers along the road and promised to re-examine their condition following allegations of substandard structures. Victims’ families and local residents have urged the Punjab Chief Minister to implement strict safety measures to prevent further tragedies on the Kahuta-Hajera road.
This latest incident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety enforcement, strict vehicle fitness checks, and strengthened infrastructure along high-risk routes in Rawalpindi.
