President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed sorrow over the loss of human lives in the coaster accident in Gilgit.

In a statement on Tuesday, he commiserated with the bereaved families and advised the authorities to expedite the relief efforts.

According to media reports, a coaster full of wedding guests travelling from Astor to Rawalpindi plunged into a river near Thalchi Bridge in Gilgit on Tuesday with gushing water sweeping away the passengers.

The media reports quoting rescue sources said there were about 23 passengers on board the coaster and two of them including the bride were rescued and one dead body was retrieved. However, the search for the remaining missing passengers was underway.