Four tourists killed after vehicle plunges into ravine in northwestern Pakistan

At least four tourists were killed and one other injured after their vehicle plunged into a deep ravine in Pakistan's northwestern Mansehra district, rescue officials said.

The vehicle skidded on a rain-slick road in the Balakot area before falling into the ravine.

How many tourists were killed in the Mansehra ravine crash?

Four people died, including the driver, and one tourist was seriously injured when their vehicle went out of control and fell into a ravine near Balakot. All five occupants were tourists from Punjab's Sialkot district visiting the Kaghan Valley.

Bilal Ahmed Faizi, spokesperson for Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, told Nukta that the group was traveling through the Balakot area when the accident occurred. "Three tourists and the driver were killed, while another tourist was seriously injured," he said.

What caused the vehicle to fall into the ravine?

The vehicle skidded on a rain-slick road before going out of control, Faizi said. Monsoon rains had left the road surface wet and slippery in the Balakot area. The crash came as heavy rainfall continued to affect Mansehra and the surrounding parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Who were the victims of the Balakot ravine crash?

All five occupants of the vehicle were residents of Sialkot district in Punjab. The four killed, including two women, were identified as Tanveer, Junaid, Shanza and Suman. The sole survivor, Taimoor, was taken to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Balakot for treatment, and the bodies of the deceased were also transported there to complete legal formalities.

How are monsoon rains affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

Heavy rainfall in the upper parts of Balakot tehsil has caused water levels to rise sharply in rivers, streams and seasonal waterways. The Kunhar River is experiencing high flood levels, and flash floods have also been reported in local streams and channels. The district administration warned that continued rainfall could push water levels even higher and said all relevant departments had been placed on high alert.

What safety precautions have authorities urged for tourists?

Pakistan's Meteorological Department has forecast strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 19 to July 23.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority has urged tourists to monitor weather updates closely during this period. Officials are asking visitors to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions while traveling in the region.