Tragic Accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir Claims Seven Lives
Fatal Incident in Chenab Valley
In Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, a peaceful day turned chaotic as screams erupted following a devastating accident. Local residents rushed outside their homes to discover that a passenger vehicle had plunged into a ravine, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives.
Passenger Vehicle Plunges into Ravine, Seven Dead
On Tuesday, a passenger vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Doda district, leading to the deaths of seven individuals, including a woman and a minor girl. Additionally, 17 others sustained injuries, as reported by officials. They noted that the vehicle was overloaded with passengers. The incident occurred near Ponda, approximately 30 kilometers from Doda city. At around 9 AM, the driver lost control of the tempo traveler on a bend of the Doda-Bharth road, resulting in the accident.
Rescue Operations Underway for Injured
According to officials, five individuals, including Mohammad Ashraf (35), Mangta Wani (51), Atta Mohammad (33), Talib Hussain (35), and Rafiqa Begum (60), were declared dead at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Doda. Tragically, five-year-old Uzma Jan and Shakur Din (30) succumbed to their injuries at a hospital in Jammu. Rescue teams managed to transport 17 injured individuals to medical facilities, with several reported to be in critical condition.
Overloaded Vehicle Contributes to Tragedy
As soon as the vehicle fell into the gorge, local residents arrived at the scene, followed by police and other security personnel. Doda's Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh informed reporters that the vehicle was carrying more passengers than its capacity, and appropriate measures are being taken regarding this matter. He assured that adequate relief measures would be provided to the families of the deceased and that the injured would receive the best possible medical care.
Condolences from Leaders Following the Incident
Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Ghulam Nabi Azad, President of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, expressed their sorrow over the fatalities caused by this accident. In a condolence message, the Lieutenant Governor stated, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the road accident in Doda. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured."
Government Responds to the Tragedy
The Chief Minister's office posted on social media, stating, "...the administration has been directed to ensure immediate medical assistance and support for all affected individuals." The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and wished for the quick recovery of the injured. Union Minister Jitendra Singh mentioned that he had spoken with Doda's Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh upon receiving news of the accident. He noted on social media that "all possible help and medical assistance is being provided." The Deputy Commissioner is personally overseeing the entire process and providing regular updates. Further assistance will be offered as needed. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, another road accident in Doda and Ramban districts resulted in one death and four injuries.
Additional Accidents Reported
Officials reported that in Ramban district, a collision between two vehicles inside a tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway resulted in one fatality. Additionally, a private SUV overturned in Bhagwa village of Doda, injuring a couple, while a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims collided with iron railings inside the Kela Mor tunnel in Ramban, injuring two individuals.