Van crash in northern Pakistan river kills 11 and injures three

A passenger van plunged into a river in northern Pakistan, killing 11 people and injuring three.

The crash happened on Thursday night in the mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region after the driver lost control.

Rescuers searched the area into early Friday and took all 11 bodies and the three injured people to a nearby hospital.

Regional Chief Minister Amjad Hussain expressed sorrow and told authorities to provide the injured with the best possible medical care.

Road crashes are common in Pakistan, with poor roads, weak enforcement of traffic laws and unsafe driving practices cited as contributing factors, especially in mountainous areas.

Last week, a bus and truck collided in eastern Pakistan, killing 11 people and injuring 33.

The three injured people are receiving hospital care, but no further update on their condition was given.