11 killed as vehicle plunges into river in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Rescue operation underway in PoK's Gilgit-Baltistan region

At least 11 people were killed and three others injured after a vehicle veered off a mountainous road and plunged into a river in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan region, news agency AP reported, citing rescue officials and police.The accident took place on Thursday night after the driver lost control of the vehicle, local police official Mohammad Afzal said.Rescue teams continued search and rescue operations into early Friday. All 11 bodies and the three injured passengers were later taken to a nearby hospital.

Regional chief minister Amjad Hussain expressed grief over the incident in a statement and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.Road accidents are common in Pakistan and in the region under its illegal occupation due to poor road conditions, weak enforcement of traffic laws and unsafe driving practices, particularly in mountainous regions.Last week, a bus collided with a truck in eastern Pakistan, killing 11 people and injuring 33 others.