52 feared killed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir bus accident

At least 52 people were feared killed and 11 others injured when a packed bus fell into the swollen Jhelum river in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir today.

The bus was coming from the border town of Chokothi to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir capital Muzaffarabad when the accident occurred at Budhiara. It was inundated by the raging waters of the river within minutes, officials said.

Local residents joined policemen and rescue services in efforts to save the people in the bus but the operation was hampered by the gushing waters.

Officials said 52 persons were feared killed while 11 others were injured. Twelve bodies were retrieved and a search was underway for the rest.

The mishap occurred after the driver lost control of the bus, Muzaffarabad deputy commissioner Muhammad Imtiaz said.

Officials said ambulances and divers were sent from Muzaffarabad to the site of the accident.