The search for four tourists from Gujrat, who went missing while traveling between Gilgit and Skardu on May 16, has ended in tragedy as their bodies were discovered at the bank of the Indus River, near the Baltistan Highway. The deceased individuals were identified as Wasif Shahzad, 36, Umar Ehsan, 20, Salman Nasrullah Sandhu, 23, and Usman Dar, 23, all of whom embarked on their journey on May 15, after arriving in Gilgit on May 13.
According to Raja Mirza Hassan, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Gilgit, the group had planned to travel from Hunza to Skardu and had temporarily stayed at a hotel in Danyor. Their last known location was Jaglot, Gilgit, and they lost all communication on May 16 after setting out for Skardu.
The search operation, which began immediately after they were reported missing, involved the Gilgit-Baltistan police and Rescue 1122 teams. Efforts included combing various locations along the route, collecting information from local accommodations and police checkpoints, and searching the treacherous terrain alongside the Indus River, where high water levels posed additional risks.
On Saturday, the search efforts led to the discovery of the tourists’ vehicle, which had fallen into a deep gorge approximately 500 feet below the road. The vehicle was located near Satak Nala, and officials confirmed that it had likely met with an accident due to excessive speed, resulting in its plunge into the gorge.
Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene to retrieve the bodies, with personnel employing ropes to access the site of the vehicle. Reports indicated that one body was visible outside the car, while three others remained inside. A crane was arranged to assist in recovering the vehicle from the difficult terrain.
The families of the deceased have been brought to the site to witness the recovery efforts, which have been complicated by the challenging geography of the area. Local authorities reiterated the dangers associated with the Baltistan road, which has seen numerous accidents in the past, particularly due to its proximity to the swift currents of the Indus River.
As the search concludes, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with traveling in the region, especially during this season.
