21 tourists die in the terrible snowstorm that blocked thousands of cars on the highway (photos)

21 tourists have died when a snowstorm left them stranded for two days in a traffic queue of about 125,000-cars in Pakistan.

Authorities confirmed that the multiple tragedy came after a record 83 cm of snowfall near the town of Murree, northeast of the capital Islamabad.

Officials said they believed the victims had died of asphyxia and not the cold after turning on their car heaters.

But local health expert Mubashir Ahmed has suggested the deaths may have come from cold hypothermia.

The army, Pakistani officials and locals had tried to come to their aid by bringing food and shelter, for the two-day trapped in the continuous snow.

Thousands of passengers were stranded on the highway to Malka-e-Kohsar which was closed due to severe weather.

Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi said: “Some 23,000 vehicles have been evacuated and rescued by Murree. About 1,000 are still trapped. “

Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said the road from Murree to Islamabad was closed.

He said: “The commissioners of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the police and the army are involved in the relief operations. 1000 vehicles still remain blocked overnight. “There have been about 20 deaths and tourists coming to Murree have already been banned from bad weather.”

21 tourists have died when a snowstorm left them stranded for two days in a traffic queue of about 125,000-cars in Pakistan.