A devastating accident occurred in Tehsil Chakar Tuesday when a school van carrying students of Islamia Public School plunged into a ditch in the mountainous region of Hattian Bala, leaving around 40 students injured, with over 15 in serious condition, reported 24NewsHd TV channel.
The incident sent shockwaves through the local community as eyewitnesses described the van losing control on a narrow, hilly road before tumbling into a deep roadside ditch. Emergency response teams, including the Police and Rescue 1122, rushed to the site to assist in rescue operations.
The critically injured students were immediately shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) Hattian Bala for medical treatment, while others were treated for minor injuries on-site or taken to nearby health centres.
Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the accident, though early speculation points to either brake failure or overloading on the steep terrain.
Local authorities are investigating the incident further, while concerned families gather at hospitals seeking updates. This tragic event has reignited calls for stricter safety checks on school transport in the region.