The 17 family members killed as truck plunges into ravine on Swat Motorway tragedy has shaken the nation after a truck carrying nomads overturned and fell into a deep ravine near Tunnel Number Three, claiming the lives of an entire family. The victims were reportedly migrating from Swat to Faisalabad when the devastating accident occurred late Tuesday night.
According to Malakand Rescue 1122 officials, the overloaded truck suffered a brake failure while descending a steep, winding section of the Swat Motorway. Unable to control its speed, the vehicle lost balance and careened off the expressway, tumbling into a rocky ravine. The impact was so severe that 15 people died on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries later at the hospital, raising the death toll to 17.
Rescue officials confirmed that the deceased included eight children, four women, and three men — all members of a single family from Gabral in Behrain Tehsil of Swat District. Eight others were injured in the crash, four of whom remain in critical condition. Emergency responders provided first aid at the site before transferring the injured to the District Headquarters Hospital in Batkhela for specialized treatment.
The 17 family members killed as truck plunges into ravine on Swat Motorway accident prompted a massive rescue operation by the Motorway Police, Rescue 1122, and Levies personnel. The challenging terrain and depth of the ravine made the recovery process extremely difficult and time-consuming, officials said.
Preliminary investigations suggest that brake failure and overspeeding were the main causes of the crash. Authorities have launched a formal inquiry to determine whether the vehicle met safety standards and if negligence played a role. The horrifying incident has reignited debate over road safety and vehicle inspection protocols, particularly for heavy transport vehicles on hilly and mountainous routes.
The tragic loss has cast a deep shadow of grief across Swat, as the entire region mourns the loss of one family. Widespread condolences have poured in from across Pakistan, with citizens urging stricter enforcement of traffic safety regulations to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.