A devastating accident on the Swat Expressway has left 15 people dead, including many children, and 8 others injured after a truck plunged into a ravine, local authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred when the vehicle lost control for reasons still under investigation, according to officials.

Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, where they found the majority of the deceased were children. The injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals, with medical staff working tirelessly to treat those in critical condition. Rescue and recovery operations have concluded, with all victims accounted for, authorities reported.

Geo News reported that the truck was traveling along the Swat Expressway at the time of the crash. Witnesses suggested that the steep, winding terrain of the region’s highways, combined with the vehicle’s speed, may have contributed to the tragedy. Swat’s roads have increasingly been flagged as accident-prone due to challenging conditions, frequent heavy rainfall, and inadequate infrastructure.

Road safety experts are calling for urgent reforms, including enhanced safety measures, stricter vehicle inspections, and regulations to prevent overloading. Local officials have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution on the region’s mountainous roads as investigations into the exact cause of the crash continue.

This tragedy underscores the critical need for improved infrastructure and safety protocols to prevent future loss of life in Swat’s rugged terrain. (ILKHA)