Authorities in Pakistan say at least 21 people have been killed in what became known as the Cold War, with tens of thousands of visitors rushing to the snow – capped mountain city.
Pakistani Rescue Services, Rescue 1122, has released a list of 21 people, including a policeman, his wife and their six children. Punjab government spokesman Hasan Kaur said they were frozen in the car and died.
Police confirmed that eight people had frozen to death in their car, but it was not immediately clear if the other victims died of the same cause or from the carbon monoxide poison inhaled in their car cabin.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the army was concentrated on rescuing thousands of stranded people and clearing roads near Murri, 70 kilometers northeast of the capital Islamabad.
Videos shared on social media showed cars up to a meter on their roofs motionless with snow.
According to a tourist who is still stranded in the city, it continued to snow on Saturday afternoon. “People face a terrible environmentUsman Abbasi told AFP by phone.
Over the days, several photos showing tourists playing in the snow around Murray have been shared on Pakistani social networks.
Punjab provincial authorities declared Murray a “disaster zone” and asked people not to go there immediately.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was shocked but saddened by the tragedy. “Unprecedented snowfall and congestion of people moving without checking the weather attracted the attention of the district administration.He tweeted.
“I have ordered an inquiry and have been enforcing strict regulations to prevent such tragedies“, He added.
According to a tourist who is still stranded in the city, it continued to snow on Saturday afternoon. “People face a terrible environmentUsman Abbasi told AFP by phone.
“Disaster Area”
Over the days, several photos showing tourists playing in the snow around Murray have been shared on Pakistani social networks.
Officials in the Punjab province announced that Murray had been notified.Disaster area“And he asked people not to go there immediately.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was shocked but saddened by the tragedy. “Unprecedented snowfall and congestion of people moving without checking the weather attracted the attention of the district administration.He tweeted.
“I have ordered an inquiry and have been enforcing strict regulations to prevent such tragedies“, He added.
“Total coffee junkie. Tv ninja. Unapologetic problem solver. Beer expert.”