To enjoy the snow, numerous people drove to a popular mountain resort in northern Pakistan. For 21, the vacation ended in tragedy.
Before the weekend, thousands made their way to Murree, which is about 40 kilometers from Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. The hotels there were fully booked within a very short time. As a result, many people had no option but to stay in their cars. During the night the temperatures reached minus eight degrees Celsius.
Heavy snowfall – cars get stuck
Over time, the cars jammed on the way to Murree, many vacationers got stuck with their vehicles in the snow masses of the uncleared streets. The snowfall did not let up, which meant that the cars could no longer be moved and eventually got stuck in the snow.
21 dead – including children
So far, 21 people have been killed, including a police officer with his wife and six children. The Pakistani authorities have now declared a state of emergency for Murree and are not allowing any further entry into the area. Rescue workers have been at the scene for hours to free the people trapped in the masses of snow. Locals also provide support with food and blankets. The heavy snowfall should continue until Sunday evening.
