4 women among 8 killed as Sumo plunges into stream

Vehicle was plying without valid permit
Excelsior Correspondent

KISHTWAR, Nov 16: In a tragic accident, eight persons including four women were killed after a Tata Sumo plunged into a stream at Alasyar area of Marwah near here today.
The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK14A-7482 was on its way to Yourdoo from Renie when the driver lost control over the wheels and it landed into stream at Alasyar area of Marwah, resulting into on the spot death of eight persons including four women. Rash and negligent driving is being ascertained as the reason behind the accident.
On getting information, police team rushed to the spot and started operation to retrieve the bodies of the deceased from the stream with the help of locals.
After hectic efforts, the bodies of deceased were retrieved and shifted to the mortuary of a nearby hospital for completion of medical and legal formalities.
A search operation was also launched near the banks of the stream to check if anyone else was dead or injured in the accident. However, no one was found except the eight bodies recovered earlier.
The deceased were identified as Mohammad Amin, son of Ghulam Mustafa Sheikh of Chanjur Marwah, Umer Gani (driver), son of Abdul Gani Shah of Nowapachi Marwah, Mohammad Irfan, son of Mohammad Ramzan Hajam of Qaderna Marwah, Afaq Ahmed, son of Bashir Ahmed Hajam of Thachna Dachhan, Safoora Banoo, daughter of Ghulam Rasool of Anjar Marwah, Mohsina Banoo, daughter of Ghulam Rasool of Anjar Marwah, Muzamila Bano, daughter of Zahoor Ahmed Malik of Yourdoo Marwah and Asia Banoo, daughter of Mohammad Younis of Yourdoo Marwah.
The vehicle was plying without valid permit which shows the apathy of the concerned department.
“If the document (permit) of the vehicle should had been checked, this tragic accident could not had taken place as vehicle has to remain off road till extension of the permit period”, sources added.
However, a case under relevant sections has been registered by Nowapachi Police and investigation started to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed grief over the loss of lives in this tragic accident.
“Anguished to learn about the loss of lives in a road accident in Kishtwar. My deepest condolences to bereaved families. Directed district administration to provide all necessary assistance”, the Lt Governor tweeted.
Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO, who is also Member of Parliament from the area, has also expressed has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
In a tweet, Dr Jitendra Singh said, “Spoke to DC Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav after receiving the news of an unfortunate Tata Sumo road accident in Marwah area. 8 persons have died on the spot. All possible assistance being provided, further help as needed would also be made available. My sincere condolences to bereaved families”.
Former Chief Minister J&K and Chairman of Democratic Azad Party Ghulam Nabi Azad has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of eight persons who lost their lives in this fatal accident.
In a condolence message, Azad said “May almighty give enough strength and courage to the bereaved families to bear such irreparable loss. I once again expect that authorities will ensure enough safety measures as occurrence of such accidents are witnessed every alternate day. Smooth traffic movement on such hilly terrain needs immediate attention. I am sure that adequate compensation and immediate relief will be provided to the next kin of those who got killed in this devastating accident”.