The crash occurred in the remote area of Dana Sar, where the bus veered off the road and fell into a ravine about 25 meters (80 feet) deep. Shahid Rind, a spokesperson for the Balochistan government, said the vehicle had become overcrowded after taking on passengers from another bus that had broken down during the journey.

Authorities said the bus was carrying 48 passengers at the time of the crash. Rescue teams continued working for hours to identify those killed and transport victims from the difficult mountain terrain to nearby hospitals.

Investigation Underway

One injured survivor told local media from a hospital that several passengers objected after the driver stopped to pick up travelers from the disabled bus. The survivor claimed an argument followed and alleged that one passenger grabbed the driver by the neck before the bus went out of control.

Police said they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The survivor’s account could not be independently verified.

Challenging Rescue Operation

Emergency workers, assisted by paramilitary personnel, descended the steep mountainside to reach the wreckage, according to official Noor Zaman. Rescuers carried injured survivors on stretchers while recovering victims using makeshift carts to move them back up the rugged slope.

Regional administrator Hazrat Wali Kakar said the injured and those killed were transported to nearby hospitals. Most victims were identified using personal documents, although three bodies had not yet been identified.

Families Seek Information

The accident prompted anxious relatives across Pakistan to contact hospitals, emergency services and police in search of information about family members traveling on the bus.

In the northwestern city of Peshawar, resident Nasir Khan said his brother had called from Quetta the previous evening to say he was traveling home on the bus. When he failed to arrive, the family feared he had been involved in the crash and sought information from authorities.

National Condolences

Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of those who died.

Road accidents remain a significant public safety challenge in Pakistan, where poor road conditions, limited enforcement of traffic regulations and unsafe driving practices contribute to frequent fatal crashes, particularly in mountainous regions. In May, a separate motorway collision in northwestern Pakistan killed 17 people and injured five others.

Authorities are continuing efforts to identify the remaining victims while investigators work to determine the cause of Friday’s crash.

Tags: Pakistan, Balochistan, Bus Crash, Road Safety, Quetta, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rescue Operation, Traffic Accident, Asif Ali Zardari, Public Safety, Emergency Response, Asia

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Take a look at a live flight tracker, and one thing jumps out right away: the gaps.
Huge, empty zones in the sky where planes used to fly — now ghostly quiet. These aren’t just quirks of scheduling. They’re the real-time ripple effects of war, political instability, and even natural disasters.

From the Middle East to Eastern Europe, modern air travel is being rerouted, delayed, or canceled altogether — and the costs are stacking up fast.

Flying Around a Fight: The Cost of Conflict in the Air

The latest flare-ups in the Middle East have created fresh no-fly zones over parts of Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Ukraine, squeezing international flights into narrower corridors over Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey.

This means more fuel burned, more hours in the air, more wear on crews — and much higher costs for airlines.

“Airspace closures have become quite common,” says Brendan Sobie, a Singapore-based aviation consultant.
“It’s almost like the new normal for airlines.”

According to Tony Stanton of Strategic Air in Australia, some rerouted flights — like those from London to Hong Kong — are now taking two extra hours just to avoid conflict zones.

For long-haul jets like a Boeing 777, that can mean an extra $14,000 in fuel costs per round trip — not to mention crew overtime, rebooking headaches, and airport slot fees.

A Sky Full of Risk Assessments

Every commercial airline has a team monitoring global airspace, constantly recalculating what’s safe and what’s not. Even if a region’s airspace is technically open, some carriers might choose to avoid it if the risk feels too high.

“Pilots don’t just need to avoid war zones,” Sobie explains.
“They also need buffer zones in case of emergencies or bad weather that could force a diversion.”

In today’s world, risk isn’t limited to missiles or missiles — cyberattacks are now part of the equation, with experts warning about GPS jamming and spoofing that can mislead aircraft navigation systems near combat zones.

Traffic Jams at 40,000 Feet

With more planes in the sky than ever before, rerouting flights causes congestion elsewhere. In the Persian Gulf, for example, air traffic has tripled in just a few years.
Now, with fewer safe paths, air traffic controllers are trying to squeeze more aircraft into tighter corridors, adjusting altitudes and departure times to make it all work — but it’s not easy, or cheap.

Short Flights, Big Disruptions

While long-haul routes make headlines, shorter regional flights are often hit the hardest.

Flights from Central Asia to Gulf hubs like Dubai or Doha, which used to cross Iranian airspace, are now rerouting entirely. That means up to half the flight time spent zigzagging to stay clear of conflict.

Volcanoes: Nature’s No-Fly Zones

While war gets the attention, volcanic eruptions may be even more disruptive.

Just look at Bali, where a current eruption is affecting air routes. Or flash back to Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland (2010) — that eruption grounded over 10 million travelers and cost airlines more than $1.7 billion.

Volcanic ash isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s dangerous. It contains microscopic silica that can fuse to jet engine parts, potentially causing catastrophic failures.

“A volcano’s eruption can have much greater impacts than a conflict zone,” Stanton says.

Airlines Are Flying Blind into the Future

One of the hardest parts for airlines? There’s no end date for a conflict.

Some disruptions, like last year’s tension between Iran and Israel, were short-lived. Others, like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have dragged on for years with no clear timeline for resolution. Many of the rerouted paths created in 2022 are still in effect today.

And unlike weather forecasts, wars can’t be predicted or planned for — making them one of the most expensive unknowns in modern aviation.

“Running a profitable airline is not easy,” Stanton notes — and in today’s world, it’s getting harder by the mile.

The Bottom Line

Whether it’s war, volcanoes, or cyber threats, airlines are flying through a more volatile sky than ever before. What used to be rare airspace disruptions are now part of everyday flight planning.
For passengers, that might mean longer trips, more delays, and higher ticket prices.
For airlines, it’s a daily high-stakes puzzle — and the cost of getting it wrong can be sky-high.

Source: CNN – How airlines are scrambling as escalating conflicts punch holes in the air map of the world

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An early morning mishap in the heart of Rome left locals stunned — and Italy’s fire brigade with a unique rescue job.

An 80-year-old man accidentally drove his Mercedes-Benz A-Class halfway down the iconic Spanish Steps around 4 a.m. Tuesday, prompting a swift response from police and firefighters.

“I Was Wrong,” Says Driver After Staircase Blunder

According to Italian media, the driver told police he was “going to work” and had simply taken a wrong turn. While he wasn’t injured, he was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Police later confirmed he tested negative for drugs and alcohol, and that he held a valid driver’s license.

It remains unclear whether he was using GPS at the time of the incident.

A Delicate Rescue on Historic Ground

Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after police stopped the vehicle. To remove the car safely from the 18th-century staircase, the fire department deployed a crane from the base of the steps. Photos show some damage to the vehicle, though it’s not confirmed if it resulted from the incident.

The Spanish Steps have since been closed to the public while archaeologists inspect the site for possible damage, as is standard protocol when incidents occur involving Rome’s historic landmarks.

Age and the Rules of the Road

Under Italian law, drivers over 80 must renew their license every two years and pass a medical exam, which includes basic cognitive assessments. The unnamed man was reportedly in compliance with these requirements.

Not the First Time the Steps Took a Hit

This isn’t the first vehicular blunder on the Spanish Steps:

• In 2022, a Saudi tourist drove a Maserati down the same staircase and was charged with aggravated damage to cultural heritage after fracturing two of the steps.
• That same year, two American tourists were fined and briefly banned from Rome’s city center after damaging the steps with electric scooters.

A Cinematic and Cultural Treasure

The Spanish Steps — named after the nearby Spanish Embassy to the Holy See — are among Rome’s most beloved landmarks. Featured in the classic film Roman Holiday (1953) starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, the staircase underwent a major €1.5 million ($1.7 million) restoration in 2015.

What’s Next?

As of now, officials are waiting for the results of the archaeological inspection to determine whether the landmark suffered any structural harm. Meanwhile, the man’s wrong turn has sparked renewed calls for tighter vehicle access restrictions near historic sites — and a reminder of how fragile these cultural icons really are.

Source:  CNN – Elderly man drives down Rome’s Spanish Steps and gets stuck

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New York City — New York’s vibrant streets are a bit quieter these days, and it’s not just because of the usual ebb and flow of tourists. The city is noticing a significant drop in foreign visitors, and local businesses and guides are starting to feel the impact.

“There’s a worldwide fear about what’s happening in the U.S.,” says Bill Martin, an Australian traveler currently touring New York on an open-air bus. On his six-week journey from Tokyo to Vancouver, with a stop in NYC, Martin has heard the same concerns from fellow tourists around the globe.

“People worry about getting into the U.S.,” he explains. “There’s a real doubt about whether they’ll be allowed in, and that makes them consider other destinations.”

Political Climate Fuels Travel Anxiety

It’s not just casual tourists who feel the heat. Eman Moretti, an Italian student studying in the U.S., shares that President Trump’s tough immigration policies have made his family hesitant to visit him in New York.

“It was a bit harder for them to come,” Moretti says, walking through Times Square with his family. “You never know if they’ll get through customs. It feels like a hostile environment.”

Javier Muenala from Ecuador agrees. “Your visa could be canceled,” he says bluntly. “That risk scares many people away.”

The Numbers Tell the Story

This anxiety is reflected in the data. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, international travelers are expected to spend $12.5 billion less in the U.S. this year.

For cities that rely heavily on tourism dollars, this drop is painful. New York City, the top U.S. destination for international visitors, is expected to host 2 million fewer international tourists in 2025 than it did in 2024 — a 17% decline, according to New York City Tourism + Conventions CEO Julie Coker.

“International visitors make up only 20% of our total tourists but account for 50% of visitor spending,” Coker says. “We were hoping to hit pre-Covid levels this year, so this slowdown is really disappointing.”

Canadians Are Staying Home — And It’s Hurting NYC

Historically, more Canadians visit the U.S. than any other nationality. But recent political tensions are causing many Canadians to reconsider.

Matt Levy, owner of Spread Love Tours, which offers customized New York tours, has seen business slow, especially among Canadian student groups.

“Canadians are choosing places like Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Vancouver instead,” Levy says. “They’re spending money in their own country.”

He adds that Canadian travel agents have warned clients away from the U.S., citing tariffs and political rhetoric — including Trump’s controversial comments about making Canada the 51st state.

“If this political climate doesn’t improve, 2026 could be even tougher,” Levy warns. “Forty percent of my business depends on Canadian visitors, and they’re staying home.”

Tour Guides and Small Businesses Feel the Impact

Renée Rewiski, a New York City tour guide for over 10 years, says the slowdown is the worst she’s seen since the Covid pandemic.

“This time last year, I’d have 20 people on a tour; now I have five,” she says while leading a small group through lower Manhattan. “Fewer people, fewer countries represented.”

Rewiski worries that if the trend continues, jobs in the tourism industry could be at risk.

“It’s not the policymakers or politicians who lose out—it’s people like me and my colleagues,” she says. “The folks who rely on tourism every day are the ones feeling the pain.”

Hope on the Horizon

Despite these challenges, optimism remains. NYC Tourism + Conventions is running an international campaign called “With Love + Liberty, New York City” to remind travelers that the city is open and welcoming.

Coker points to upcoming events — like the 2026 World Cup nearby in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and the U.S.’s 250th anniversary celebration next summer — as opportunities to bring international visitors back.

“We’ve hit a bump in the road,” she says, “but New York City is here, ready and waiting for you whenever you decide to visit.”

Bottom Line: NYC Still Has Its Magic — And It Wants You Back

So, if you’re thinking about a trip, remember: New York City’s doors are wide open. The concerns around travel may feel daunting, but the city’s iconic energy, culture, and warmth remain as strong as ever. Whether you’re an art lover, foodie, or first-time visitor, NYC is ready to welcome you back with open arms.

Source: CNN – Fewer foreign tourists are visiting NYC. The city is feeling the pinch

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The era of post-pandemic revenge travel — when Americans rushed to book long-postponed vacations — is officially cooling off. And it’s not just rising prices that are making people think twice. From economic fears to geopolitical concerns, a growing number of travelers are pressing pause on their getaway plans.

Why One Couple Canceled Their Dream Cruise

Francisco Ayala and his wife were looking forward to a cruise to see the Northern Lights. But as the year unfolded, they decided to cancel. The reasons? A mix of fear, frustration, and financial uncertainty.

Though both are U.S. citizens — Ayala by birth, his wife by naturalization — they worried about the increased reports of Americans being questioned or delayed at U.S. borders, even those with legal status.

“There’s just too much uncertainty,” Ayala explained. “It doesn’t feel worth the risk for a trip that’s supposed to be fun.”

He’s also keeping a close eye on the economy. “The moment I saw the market volatility, I thought — this isn’t going to end well.”

Travel Experts Are Seeing the Shift

Ayala’s story reflects a broader trend. Travel advisers across the country are hearing similar concerns. In a recent survey by TravelAge West, more than 80% of 460 advisers said they were worried about how a potential economic downturn would impact business. Over half were especially concerned about government policies affecting travel.

Clients cited their top worries:

• Economic instability
• How Americans are treated abroad
• Safety and security
• Rising travel costs (tariffs, fuel, etc.)
• Border and immigration policies

“It’s not just about finding cheaper travel,” said Beci Mahnken, CEO of MEI-Travel. “Some clients don’t want to travel internationally — others don’t even want to leave the U.S. at all.”

Revenge Travel Hits a Wall

After four years of non-stop vacation bookings following the end of pandemic restrictions, Mahnken noticed a dramatic slowdown in early April. What triggered it? The stock market dropped sharply amid growing fears of a trade war.

“We went from a travel high to a full stop,” she said. Her agency began receiving cancellation calls and refund requests as people watched their investments plummet and hesitated to spend on luxuries.

Flight booking data backs this up. According to travel analytics firm Cirium, bookings for U.S. travelers to Europe between January and early May were down nearly 10% from last year. Flights from Europe to the U.S. dropped even more — 12%. Domestic travel in the U.S. also saw a dip of about 5%.

“It’s a pretty significant drop for such a short window,” said Cirium CEO Jeremy Bowen. “It suggests people are holding off, waiting to see how things shake out.”

Booking Behavior Is Changing

Still, Americans haven’t given up on summer entirely.

Deloitte’s 2025 Summer Travel Survey shows a 5% increase in Americans planning trips this summer. But what they’re booking has changed: fewer flights, more road trips, and a focus on short-term, flexible plans.

“People are booking closer to their departure dates,” Mahnken said. “They feel more confident about the next few months, but they’re hesitant to commit to something eight to twelve months out.”

Strategic Travel Over Spontaneous Vacations

Ayala and his wife canceled their Alaska cruise, which would have departed from Canada, after seeing travel warnings from some European countries about entering the U.S. But they’re still attending two family weddings in Mexico this year.

Even then, Ayala admits he’s nervous about returning to the U.S. “I dread the reentry,” he said. “There’s a non-zero chance I get delayed or questioned because of my name. That’s not something I want to risk for a vacation — but for family? That’s worth it.”

Opportunities for Last-Minute Deals

The shift in travel behavior is opening up new opportunities — especially for flexible travelers.

Tiffany Funk, co-founder of travel rewards site point.me, says now is the time to cash in on loyalty points. “They’re worth more now than they’ll be later, and can take you farther internationally than domestically.”

Some domestic hotspots — once booked years in advance — now have last-minute availability. “Places like Maine or New England’s coast are surprisingly open right now,” Funk said. “Even family destinations like Florida’s Gulf Coast are offering deals.”

Cruise lines, still trying to fill mega-ships built before the economic slowdown, are offering deep discounts on near-term sailings. And theme parks, typically packed in the summer, are rolling out aggressive promotions to attract visitors.

“We’re seeing discounts in places that are usually sold out,” Mahnken said. “If you’re flexible, this could be your chance to score an affordable summer getaway.”

Bottom Line

While Americans aren’t giving up on travel, they’re getting more cautious. Economic jitters, shifting border policies, and global tensions have combined to reshape how — and why — people plan trips in 2025. For those willing to adapt, the slowdown might just come with silver linings: better deals, shorter planning windows, and a reminder that travel doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful.

Source: CNN – The American ‘revenge travel’ surge is over. Fear and uncertainty are big factors

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After a turbulent year marked by safety concerns, tragic accidents, and air traffic control failures, summer air travel in the US is shaping up to be challenging. Travelers should brace themselves for potential delays and disruptions as the busy season kicks off.

A Tough Start to 2025 for US Air Travel

The year began with a heartbreaking midair collision in Washington that claimed 67 lives, shining a spotlight on safety risks in the skies. Near-miss incidents and pilots performing urgent go-arounds to avoid crashes have heightened anxiety nationwide. To make matters worse, Newark Liberty International Airport has faced weeks of air traffic control meltdowns caused by staffing shortages and technology failures, triggering hours-long delays for passengers.

What Does This Mean for Summer Travelers?

Memorial Day weekend signals the start of the peak summer travel season, with United Airlines alone expecting to fly 300,000 more passengers than last year. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is gearing up for its busiest summer in 15 years, especially toward late July.

While the FAA says it is prepared for the influx, experts warn that ongoing understaffing and fragile infrastructure could still cause headaches for travelers.

Why Summer Travel Often Means Delays

Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel company Hopper, explains that disruptions “are always worse in the summer” because of increased passenger volume and lingering staff shortages at airports and air traffic control centers.

“Airports are busier, and while airlines are flying near full capacity, staffing levels haven’t fully recovered,” Berg said.

Newark Airport’s Ongoing Struggles

Newark has been hit hardest by these problems, suffering four separate technology outages since late April. Its air traffic control tower is stretched thin, and runway construction has forced the FAA to cut flights by about 25% compared to April levels. Some flights will resume after construction ends mid-June, but the airport won’t return to full capacity anytime soon.

Retired American Airlines captain Les Abend warns that issues like Newark’s can ripple out, creating delays across other airports. He points out the problem isn’t the new air traffic control technology itself but the supporting infrastructure and data systems that are failing.

What Travelers Can Expect This Summer

Add in chronic air traffic controller shortages, the long training time for new controllers, and typical summer storms, and the result is a “recipe for frustration,” Abend says.

However, he reassures passengers that the US air travel system remains safe. “If you lose contact with air traffic control, pilots have protocols to handle the situation,” he explained.

Abend doesn’t foresee widespread chaos this summer. “Most of the time, you’ll get to where you’re going on schedule,” he said.

Anxiety at Newark — and How to Prepare

Newark’s reputation as a major international gateway means many transatlantic travelers are watching its struggles nervously. Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, says the media attention has exposed long-standing issues, making travelers more cautious about flying through Newark.

Despite these concerns, most people are still choosing to travel this summer.

A Mixed Bag for Airfares and Travel Plans

Domestic airfare is about 3% cheaper than last year, with round-trip tickets averaging $265—the lowest since 2021. Flights to Europe are down roughly 8% from 2024, making summer travel attractive despite the challenges.

Tips to Beat the Summer Travel Hassles

Experts advise travelers to plan carefully:

• Fly direct to avoid missing connections.
• Choose morning flights and avoid busy weekend travel.
• Consider flying through JFK or LaGuardia instead of Newark for New York-area trips.
• Stay alert for potential delays by tracking where your plane is coming from and checking weather conditions at departure points.
• If bad weather is expected, think about changing your flight early to avoid getting stuck.

Bottom Line

Summer 2025 air travel in the US may bring its share of frustrations, but with preparation and patience, most travelers should reach their destinations safely. The FAA and airlines are working on long-term fixes, but for now, packing extra time and flexibility into travel plans is the best strategy.

Source: CNN – Summer air travel could be a ‘recipe for frustration’

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A Lufthansa flight carrying 205 people was left without an active pilot for 10 tense minutes after the copilot fainted while alone in the cockpit, according to a recent report from Spain’s air accident investigation agency, CIAIAC.

The incident occurred on February 17, 2024, during a flight from Frankfurt, Germany, to Seville, Spain. The captain had stepped out of the cockpit for a bathroom break, leaving the copilot alone at the controls. That’s when the copilot suddenly lost consciousness.

Despite the alarming situation, the Airbus A321 remained in stable flight thanks to autopilot. However, investigators noted that the unconscious copilot unintentionally interacted with the controls during this time. Audio recordings confirmed sounds consistent with what they called a “sudden and severe incapacitation.”

Air traffic controllers attempted to contact the cockpit multiple times but received no response. The captain returned and initially tried to re-enter using the standard door code, which alerts those inside with a chime. After five unsuccessful attempts and an unanswered intercom call, the captain used an emergency override code to regain access to the flight deck and took over the controls.

According to the report, the copilot received immediate first aid from the crew and a doctor who happened to be onboard. He eventually regained consciousness and later recalled receiving treatment.

The captain diverted the flight to Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, landing safely about 20 minutes later. The copilot was taken to a hospital, where he stayed for several hours.

Investigators later discovered that the copilot’s fainting episode was caused by an undiagnosed neurological condition. This condition had not been detected during his routine medical evaluations. As a result, his medical certification has been suspended.

Lufthansa acknowledged the findings and confirmed that its own safety team had conducted a separate investigation, though the results were not publicly shared, according to German news agency dpa and the Associated Press.

The Spanish aviation authority classified the incident as an “extraordinary circumstance,” but emphasized that airline captains are trained to handle situations involving pilot incapacitation.

While rare, such incidents do happen. CIAIAC pointed to 287 reported cases of pilot incapacitation across European commercial flights between 2019 and 2024. For comparison, a 2004 FAA report documented 39 such cases involving U.S. airline pilots over a six-year span from 1993 to 1998.

Source: CNN – Lufthansa flight flew without a pilot for 10 minutes after copilot fainted, report finds

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A widespread power outage disrupted life across Bali on Friday, throwing parts of Indonesia’s top tourist destination into temporary chaos.

The blackout affected several areas on the island, leading to traffic congestion, long queues at the airport, and disruptions to daily activities, according to state power company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN).

Despite the outage, Ngurah Rai International Airport remained operational. Inbound and outbound flights continued as scheduled, the airport’s management confirmed via Instagram. However, social media posts showed long lines forming at check-in counters, likely due to reduced power in terminal systems.

PLN officials said they are still investigating the cause of the blackout.

“The recovery process is currently being carried out gradually,”
— PLN spokesperson I Wayan Eka Susana

Photos and videos shared online showed stalled traffic at major intersections, with some traffic lights out of service. Locals and tourists alike reported minor disruptions, though no major incidents were immediately linked to the outage.

Bali, often dubbed the crown jewel of Indonesian tourism, welcomed over 6.3 million foreign visitors last year alone. The outage, while temporary, served as a reminder of the island’s heavy reliance on steady infrastructure to keep both tourism and daily life running smoothly.

Authorities are urging patience as restoration efforts continue and have promised updates as more information becomes available.

Source: CNN – Blackout in Bali as Indonesian tourist haven hit by power outage

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A dream trip turned into a nightmare this week when 26 tourists were brutally shot dead by militants in Indian-administered Kashmir, a tragedy that has reignited tensions between India and Pakistan and left families heartbroken and scarred.

Among the victims was Ramachandran Narayanamenon, 69, who had just returned home after decades working in Qatar, ready to enjoy a peaceful retirement filled with travel and time with family. He had embarked on the trip with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren, excited to make new memories.

“He sounded so happy when we spoke before his flight,” recalled his longtime friend Balachandran Menonparambil, who described Narayanamenon as “caring, reliable, and full of life.”
A day later, Menonparambil learned his best friend was gone.

“I tried calling him when I saw the news, but there was no answer,” he said. “When I spoke to his son, he told me, ‘Dad is gone.’ It feels like only half of me is working now.”

The attack, according to survivors, was terrifying and deliberate. Militants singled out men and shot them at close range. Some survivors said the gunmen accused their victims of supporting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The massacre took place in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot, and has plunged families into unimaginable grief.

Kavita Lele lost her husband, Sanjay, 50, and two cousins, Hemant Joshi, 45, and Atul Mone, 43. All three were family men and the main providers for their households. They had come from just outside Mumbai, excited for a long-planned getaway.

Kavita, who struggles with partial paralysis, had hesitated to join the trip. But her husband insisted: “If you don’t come, none of us will go,” he had told her. Eventually, she agreed—and together they set off for Kashmir.

Shortly before the attack, the group bought food from a local stall. When the gunfire erupted, they initially mistook it for fireworks. Locals quickly warned them to seek shelter, but it was too late. The three men were shot, and a bullet grazed the hand of their 20-year-old nephew, Harshal.

Kavita, despite her disability, took nearly four agonizing hours to make her way down the hill to safety.

“They were so excited for this trip,” said Rajesh Kadam, Kavita’s brother-in-law, who later traveled to Kashmir to help bring the survivors home. “Now, our lives are changed forever. This pain will never end.”

The attack has once again strained India-Pakistan relations. India swiftly blamed Pakistan for supporting the militant groups behind the killings, a charge Islamabad denies. In response, New Delhi downgraded diplomatic ties and suspended cooperation in a key water-sharing treaty—moves that have edged the nuclear-armed rivals closer to renewed confrontation.

The backdrop of violence in Kashmir is a familiar one. Both India and Pakistan claim the region in full but control only parts of it. Since 1947, the two nations have fought three wars over the mountainous territory, and a decades-long insurgency has taken tens of thousands of lives.

In 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked Kashmir’s autonomy, further fueling unrest in the Muslim-majority region. Tuesday’s attack is the latest reminder that, for all the natural beauty Kashmir offers, deep political and religious divides continue to drive deadly violence.

Across India, protests have erupted demanding justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible. But for the families forever changed by this attack, no amount of action can erase the pain.

“We now have to live with this,” said Kadam. “There is no going back.”

Source: CNN – Family and friends shattered and scarred by tourist massacre in Kashmir

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