Chakar: A van carrying schoolchildren veered off a mountainous road in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Tuesday, injuring 29 students and the driver near Tambryal Mor in Chakar, highlighting the dangers of steep terrains in the region.
The accident occurred when the van, operated by Islamiya Public School, lost control during a turn, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mirza Zahid Hussain. The vehicle, transporting boys and girls home, overturned on a forested slope. Local residents rushed to aid rescue efforts, as seen in a video shared by the SSP. Tall trees reportedly prevented the van from rolling further, averting potentially worse outcomes.
Sixteen children were admitted to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Chakar, while the driver, identified as Sajjad Shah, and 13 others were transferred to District Headquarters Hospital in Hattian Bala. Two children remain in critical condition, though the rest are stable. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident to prevent future incidents.
