Thousands stranded as Karakoram Highway blocked by rockslide

A massive rockfall shutdown Karakoram Highway, in the Chanas area of Gilgit-Baltistan. It left thousands of travelers stranded including patients, students and tourists.

Asghar Khan, the Deputy Commissioner of Nagar District, reported that the rockslide happened between the Nagar and Gilgit districts, around Fajr time. It ended up blocking the highway completely in the boundary area. He cautioned the travelers to completely avoid the area until advised.

The Frontier Works Organistaion was immediately informed of the incident, to which they swiftly responded and dispatched heavy machinery to the scene. The deputy commissioner reported that the rocks are massive and would likely require controlled blasting before the area can be cleared safely and completely. 

There are no reports of casualties from the incident, however, travelers are left waiting in long queues, on both sides of the road, waiting for clearance work to progress. Meanwhile, some people are attempting to walk through the obstruction to get to the other side of the road, change vehicle and continue their journeys.

The highway is expected to reopen at 11am on Wednesday, according to the reports.