SHANGLA: A woman was killed and six members of the same family were critically injured after a passenger jeep plunged into a deep ravine near Shangla Top on Saturday.
The jeep was travelling from Mingora to Shangla when the driver reportedly lost control on a mountainous section of the road. The vehicle skidded off the highway and fell into a gorge, leaving it severely damaged.
Rescue Teams Shift Injured to Hospital
Local residents and Rescue 1122 teams reached the accident site soon after receiving information about the crash.
Rescue personnel, assisted by volunteers, retrieved the passengers from the wreckage and provided first aid to the injured.
Officials said the woman died at the scene due to critical injuries. Six other passengers were initially shifted to a nearby health facility before being referred to Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital in Swat for specialised treatment.
Hospital sources said the injured were receiving emergency medical care, while the condition of some patients remained serious.
Authorities Investigate Cause of Shangla Accident
Preliminary reports indicated that the crash occurred after the driver lost control of the jeep. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the Shangla Top jeep accident.
Officials said investigators would examine the condition of the road and vehicle, as well as possible driver-related factors.
A large number of residents gathered at the accident site and expressed grief over the loss of life. They also extended sympathies to the affected family.
Residents Demand Road Safety Improvements
Local residents raised concerns over repeated accidents on the Shangla–Swat road and called for urgent safety improvements along dangerous sections of the route.
They urged the authorities to install retaining walls and steel guardrails, place warning signs near hazardous bends and complete pending road repairs and maintenance work.
The Shangla–Swat road is a major transport link used daily by passenger vehicles, public transport and private cars. Several sections of the mountainous route have narrow lanes, sharp curves, steep slopes and limited protective barriers.
Residents and civil society representatives also called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, regular vehicle fitness inspections and greater monitoring of speeding and reckless driving.
They said immediate measures were needed to reduce the risk of further accidents and protect travellers using the busy mountain highway.
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