More than 1,000 tourist vehicles were stranded in the snow-covered mountains of Muri in Pakistan's Punjab province, leaving thousands stranded waiting for help.
At least 21 people, including 10 children, were killed in the crash on Saturday, according to the BBC. At least 10 of the dead died after being trapped in a car. A painful video of a car crash is currently going viral on social media.
According to the information received, the entire family of a police officer was also among the dead. He is survived by his wife and six children. Five members of another family were also reported dead. "The condition of the people is very bad," said Usman Abbasi, a tourist. Not only the tourists are struggling with this snow, but also the vehicles of the locals are stuck in the traffic jam of the tourist vehicles.
The Pakistani Home Minister said that more than one lakh vehicles arrived
All the tourists had come to enjoy the snowfall, but got stuck on the road on their way back on Saturday, the report said. According to Pakistan's Home Minister Sheikh Rashid, the situation has arisen in the last few days as more than 1 lakh tourist vehicles have arrived in the British-occupied city of Murree. Earlier, the deputy commissioner of Rawalpindi had informed on social media that people had been evacuated from 23,000 vehicles. According to the information received, 4 feet of snow has fallen so far and roads have been closed due to falling of hundreds of trees.
Army rescue operation begins
Muri is a small tourist destination located at an altitude of about 7500 feet above sea level, north of Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. The area was declared a medical base by British troops in the 19th century. Due to the mountainous terrain and snowfall, thousands of tourists visit this place every year. Currently, the army is conducting a massive rescue operation to rescue the stranded tourists in the area. However, rescue operations are hampered by the mountainous terrain.
The locals provided blankets and food
Tourists battling cold on the roads due to snowfall are being shifted to government buildings and schools in the area. There are many locals providing blankets and food to the tourists. At present, all roads leading to Muri from Islamabad and other areas have been closed, said Home Minister Sheikh Rashid. These roads will be closed until 9 pm on Sunday. The Punjab government has declared a 'snow emergency' in Muri. The area has also been declared a disaster area.
