Officials say 15 to 25 containers buried in the wreckage, four injured persons moved to hospital
KHYBER
At least three drivers so far were killed and eight others injured when a massive landslide buried more than 20 of Afghanistan bound truck along with its crew members here at Pak-Afghan sharing border, Torkham in the wee hours of Tuesday.
Rescue 1122, Khyber official said that so far they shifted two bodies and eight wounded to nearest health center while rescuers strived hard to retrieve a body that was visible under the debris.
In the absence of heavy machinery,the relief efforts would take days as hundreds of tons of rubble slipped down on the trucks, he added and said continuous landslides on the site had affected rescue activities.
Deputy Commissioner, Khyber Abdunasir while confirming the incident said that a long queue of export loaded vehicles was present on the export route of Torkham terminal when a huge avalanche of mud fell on it.
He feared human loss in the event however he said that the actual situation would be cleared after completion of rescue works.
Ajarullah, an injured driver, said that he was present on the driving seat of his truck when, with a big explosion an avalanche of mud fell down on his truck along with dozens of others buried under it. According to eyewitness almost at 02:00 am, following a heavy downpour, a landslide occurred at the export route and fire erupted that engulfed few vehicles.
Soon after the incident, Rescue 1122, Pak army rescuers, National Logistic Cell (NLC) officials, volunteers of Al-Khedmat Foundation and locals rushed to the site and initiated a rescue operation.
Rescue workers used small shovels and light machinery to dig out the wounded and the bodies.
Besides human loss, million dollars worth of merchandise and more than 20 trucks destroyed in the mishap, rescuers said.
Because of the incident, trade was suspended at Pak-Afghan trade via Torkham crossing, official said.
A few rescue machinery was sent by the Afghan government from across the border but it was insufficient to provide timely relief,rescuers said.
On the other hand, an emergency was announced in the District Headquarter Hospital, Landi Kotal and all health staff was asked to ensure their presence on their duties.
Locals blamed that due to construction work on a custom terminal being progressed in Torkham, contractor NLC dynamited the nearby mountain to widen export route that caused land sliding.
