At least 22 people froze to death in Murree as cars were trapped in snow blizzard
Pakistan military and local authorities cleared snow from all major roads in and around the Pakistani hill station of Murree, a day after the 22 people died in their vehicles trapped by heavy snowfall.
Relief and rescue operations continued in the resort town, with the civil administration and Pakistan army soldiers evacuating hundreds of people stranded who were provided food, water, shelter and warm clothes.
“Cooked meal served to more than 1000 stranded people in Jhika Gali, Kashmiri Bazar, Lower Topa and Kuldana,” the military said.
“The relief and rescue operations are still underway, but all major roads have been reopened for a smooth flow of traffic,” said the spokesperson for the 1122 emergency service. All 22 dead bodies have been handed over to the families.
Officials said some of the victims froze to death in their cars, while others died from asphyxiation after inhaling exhaust fumes in snow-bound vehicles.
The Pakistan army’s media wing said army engineers’ troops with road clearance machinery were working to clear roads.
Cars stuck under fallen trees on a snowy road in Murree
The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement that said that “Heavy machinery from Murree, army engineers division and FWO [Frontier Works Organisation] are working without any pause to assist people who are struck,” the ISPR said.
“Where machinery can’t reach, troops have been moved and they are clearing traffic and opening roads,” it added.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was “Shocked and upset at tragic deaths of tourists on road to Murree.” He said that “Unprecedented snowfall & rush of people proceeding without checking weather conditions caught district admin unprepared.” He. has ordered an investigation to prevent such tragedies.
More than 100,000 cars had arrived in Murree, which has a vehicle capacity of less than 30,000, since Thursday to enjoy the snow but with little precautions.
Many tourists also complained that they are having issues getting food, accommodation and help. However, some locals helped out the stranded people and provided them blankets and food.