A devastating accident near Malakand on the Swat Expressway has claimed at least 17 lives and left six others injured when a truck carrying nomadic families plunged into a deep ravine.

Four women, three men and 10 children from the same family lost their lives in the tragic incident. The incident occurred late on Wednesday as the group was migrating from Swat to Faisalabad.

According to rescue officials, the truck’s brakes failed while descending a steep section of the highway, causing the vehicle to overturn and fall into the ditch. All the passengers on board were nomads belonging to Bahrain and surrounding areas of Swat.

Women, children among victims

The accident proved fatal for entire families traveling together. Rescue sources confirmed that women and children were among the deceased. At least 17 people were killed instantly, while six others sustained critical injuries.

Rescue and Levies teams rushed to the site immediately after the incident was reported. The bodies and injured were shifted to Category A Hospital Batkhela (DHQ Hospital), where medical teams provided emergency treatment. Officials stated that the condition of six injured individuals remains critical.

Rescue operation and initial response

Authorities described the scene as “heart-wrenching,” with wreckage scattered across the ravine. Rescue 1122 personnel, supported by Levies forces, carried out a challenging recovery operation to retrieve bodies and survivors from the steep terrain.

Medical staff at DHQ Hospital Batkhela confirmed that they are facing a high number of critical cases and have requested additional medical support.

Nomadic families on seasonal migration

Preliminary reports indicate that the truck was carrying nomadic families from Bahrain in Swat who were en route to Faisalabad for the winter season. Local sources said such seasonal migrations are common among nomadic groups, who move in search of milder weather and livelihood opportunities.