4 dead, over dozen missing as bridge collapses in Neelum Valley

MUZAFFARABAD: Around 25 tourists were swept away when a bridge over a water channel collapsed in Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir on Sunday.

Police said the bridge collapsed due to overload when the touring students from Punjab were crossing it in Kundal Shai area of Neelum Valley.

Four dead bodies and at least eight injured have been recovered in the rescue operation so far.

Officials say between 20 to 25 people were standing on the bridge at the time of the collapse, who were swept way by strong current.

The injured have been shifted to District Headquarter Hospital Authmuqam and Army Medical center at Jhamber, a rescue official said.

Police sources said the victims are likely students of two medical colleges from Lahore and Faisalabad who were touring the scenic Neelum valley.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressed grief and sorrow over the incident in Neelum Valley.

In a statement, he directed the authorities concerned to make utmost efforts in rescue operation.