A bus crashes into a rocky ravine in northern Pakistan, killing 20 people and injuring 30 others

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A bus crashed into a rocky ravine in northern Pakistan on Friday after its driver lost control, killing 20 people and injuring 30 others, officials said.

The bus was heading towards Hunza on the Karakoram Highway in Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan when the accident occurred, senior police officer Fayaz Ahmed said.

The mountainous highway connects Pakistan with China. Hunza is a popular tourist destination, especially in the warmer months.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Faizaullah Faraq said the accident occurred around 5:30 a.m

“As a result of this tragic bus accident, 20 passengers lost their lives, 30 passengers were injured and the injured were helped here at the Chilas Main Hospital,” he said.

Images from local media showed the twisted wreckage of an orange bus at the bottom of a rocky ravine near a river bank.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed sadness over the accident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Road accidents are common in Pakistan as drivers often ignore traffic rules and safety standards on poor roads, especially in rough areas.