36 Hours in Murree | Beyond The Call of Duty
In January 2022, thousands of tourists in Murree were trapped in a snowstorm - caught unprepared and off-guard, many at risk of losing their lives. This tragedy was prevented through the kindness and cooperation of a group of people who rose to the moment.
This is their story.
Murree’s local authorities had issued warnings about the approaching winter storm, but 150,000 cars still traveled to the area, drawn by the prospect of snow and winter scenery. Consequently, its mountainous roads became heavily congested as snowfall increased, and minor delays quickly turned into gridlock, with vehicles stuck for hours on icy, single-lane routes.
Some families with young children were unprepared for the harsh weather: there were reports of children wearing light clothing in sub-zero temperatures. With nowhere else to go, people began to run their car engines for warmth while stuck in traffic, unaware that this could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. As a result, 23 people tragically passed away on the northern side of Murree, near Kuldana.
On the other side, in Lower Topa, however, this tragedy was prevented through a remarkable display of resilience. Local police and emergency responders worked round the clock, attempting to direct traffic and guide people to safety despite overwhelming conditions.
Businesses also played a crucial role, with the local McDonald's branch in particular, rising to the occasion. The branch kept doors open for stranded tourists—offering them warmth and shelter—and it also provided free food and hot drinks. McDonald’s employees worked over 35 hour shifts, committed to helping their fellow citizens.
“We didn’t feel like going home. They were our people, our brothers…how could we leave them in such dire circumstances?”
The McDonald’s branch also became a Crisis Control Center, collaborating with emergency responders to offer relief to tourists for 5-6 days in a row. In doing so, they helped prevent irreparable harms and save many lives.
While the snowfall created major disruptions and immense danger, it also revealed the strength of kindness, compassion, courage, and community.
At VCast, we are dedicated to spotlighting everyday heroes across Pakistan. What stories of community heroes have inspired you? Let us know in the comments.
This article was developed with the assistance of AI tools.
