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Pakistani Landslide Kills Two Near Afghan Border Crossing

Rescuers work at the site of a landslide in northwestern Pakistan near the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan on April 18. At least two people died in the incident as dozens of trucks that that were waiting to cross the border were buried under the rubble.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Officials say the massive landslide was triggered by lightning amid heavy rains.
1/8 Rescuers work at the site of a landslide in northwestern Pakistan near the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan on April 18. At least two people died in the incident as dozens of trucks that that were waiting to cross the border were buried under the rubble. 

Officials say the massive landslide was triggered by lightning amid heavy rains.
A massive landslide struck a key highway in northwestern Pakistan near the border town of Torkham before dawn on April 18, burying two dozen trucks and killing at least two people, officials said.
People carry the body of a victim killed in the landslide.<br /> <br /> Officials said more than 100 firefighters and rescuers were taking part in the operation to save truck drivers and other people who were trapped by the debris.<br /> &nbsp;
2/8 People carry the body of a victim killed in the landslide.

Officials said more than 100 firefighters and rescuers were taking part in the operation to save truck drivers and other people who were trapped by the debris.
 
A massive landslide struck a key highway in northwestern Pakistan near the border town of Torkham before dawn on April 18, burying two dozen trucks and killing at least two people, officials said.
The body of a victim is seen trapped in a damaged vehicle.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;
3/8 The body of a victim is seen trapped in a damaged vehicle.

 
A massive landslide struck a key highway in northwestern Pakistan near the border town of Torkham before dawn on April 18, burying two dozen trucks and killing at least two people, officials said.
A police official, Ishrat Khan, said the injured were being transported to a nearby hospital. Volunteers also joined the search for survivors as authorities dispatched heavy machinery to Torkham to try to clear the massive mudslide, Khan said.
4/8 A police official, Ishrat Khan, said the injured were being transported to a nearby hospital. Volunteers also joined the search for survivors as authorities dispatched heavy machinery to Torkham to try to clear the massive mudslide, Khan said.
A massive landslide struck a key highway in northwestern Pakistan near the border town of Torkham before dawn on April 18, burying two dozen trucks and killing at least two people, officials said.
At least one truck caught fire when it was struck by lightning, rescuers said.
5/8 At least one truck caught fire when it was struck by lightning, rescuers said.
A massive landslide struck a key highway in northwestern Pakistan near the border town of Torkham before dawn on April 18, burying two dozen trucks and killing at least two people, officials said.
Rescue workers and people search for survivors next to a damaged supply vehicle.
6/8 Rescue workers and people search for survivors next to a damaged supply vehicle.
A massive landslide struck a key highway in northwestern Pakistan near the border town of Torkham before dawn on April 18, burying two dozen trucks and killing at least two people, officials said.
Rescue workers and onlookers stand around a damaged supply vehicle.
7/8 Rescue workers and onlookers stand around a damaged supply vehicle.
A massive landslide struck a key highway in northwestern Pakistan near the border town of Torkham before dawn on April 18, burying two dozen trucks and killing at least two people, officials said.
People remove a rock slab as they continue to search for survivors.<br /> <br /> The Torkham border crossing -- a vital commercial artery and a trade route for Pakistan to Central Asian countries -- was recently closed by the Afghan Taliban after Islamabad accused Kabul of providing a safe haven for Pakistani Taliban militants.
8/8 People remove a rock slab as they continue to search for survivors.

The Torkham border crossing -- a vital commercial artery and a trade route for Pakistan to Central Asian countries -- was recently closed by the Afghan Taliban after Islamabad accused Kabul of providing a safe haven for Pakistani Taliban militants.
A massive landslide struck a key highway in northwestern Pakistan near the border town of Torkham before dawn on April 18, burying two dozen trucks and killing at least two people, officials said.
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A landslide that occurred early on April 18 in northwestern Pakistan near the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan killed at least two people and buried dozens of trucks that were waiting to cross the border, officials said. Rescuer Malik Ashfaq told RFE/RL the incident occurred around 2 a.m. local time. Ashfaq said it was not yet known how many people were still buried under the landslide. Police said firefighters and rescuers were trying to save people buried by the landslide, which was apparently triggered by lightning amid heavy rain. The Torkham border crossing is a key trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal, click here.

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    RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal

    RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal is a public-service broadcaster providing a powerful alternative to extremist propaganda in Pakistan's remote tribal regions along the border with Afghanistan.

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