5 tourists dead, several missing as bridge collapses in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir

ISLAMABAD - At least five tourists were killed and several went missing after a footbridge they were standing on collapsed Sunday in the Neelum valley of the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, according to local media and police officials.

The Neelum valley deputy commissioner said that around 40 tourists stopped to take pictures on the bridge, located in the Nala Jagran area of the valley, when it collapsed as it could not withstand the pressure due to overweight.

Five bodies and 14 injured persons have been recovered in the rescue operation so far, said local police officials.

All the injured were being shifted through army helicopters to the Combined Military Hospital in Muzaffarabad, the capital city of the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. The condition of the two injured was critical, according to the hospital sources.

Personnel of the Pakistan Army are also assisting in the operation, said local Urdu TV channel ARY News, adding that the extremely cold water of the river and its strong current are hindering efforts to recover the tourists.

Police said that the victims were students of different medical and private colleges of Lahore and Faisalabad who were touring the scenic Neelum valley from the country's eastern Punjab province.

According to initial investigation, the bridge had the capacity to withstand only four to six people at a time and there were also relevant warning signs posted on the bridge, but the tourists ignored them, said police officials.

The country's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has expressed grief and sorrow over the incident and directed the relevant authorities to make utmost efforts in rescue operation.

The Neelum valley is a popular tourist spot, especially in summers. A large number of visitors from across the country head there because of its cool weather and scenic beauty.