Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Aug 30: In a tragic accident, eight people were killed and three others injured critically when a Tata Sumo skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near Boonda area of Chatroo here today.
The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK03B-9117, carrying the passengers from Chingam to Boonda, met with the accident near village Boonda at around 3.15 pm.
Rescue teams comprising police, Rashtriya Rifles and local villagers swung into action immediately after the vehicle rolled down from the hilly road. Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chatroo Inderjeet Singh Parihar also rushed to the spot. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar Shafqat Bhat reached the scene and supervised the rescue operation.
Seven persons were found dead on-the-spot and another succumbed while being evacuated to a District Hospital Kishtwar. Three more injured were rushed to District Hospital in critical condition from where two were later referred to Government Medical College and Associated Hospital (GMC & AH)) Doda for specialised treatment.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav reached District Hospital Kishtwar and enquired about the health of the injured persons. He directed the Hospital Administration to provide best possible health care facilities to the injured.
On getting information, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh termed the accident as “unfortunate” and said “all possible help, as required, will be provided”. In a tweet, Dr Singh said, “Spoke to DC Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav about an unfortunate road accident with 8 casualties. Injured being shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar and GMC Doda as per requirement. All possible help, as required, will be provided”.
The deceased were identified as Nusrata Banoo, daughter of Fareed Ahmed, Shareef, son of Ghulam Hussain, Fareed and Mohammad Akbar, sons of Noor Deen, Fareed Hussain and Noor Hussain, sons of Abul Kareem, Bashir Ahmed and Nazir, sons of Akbar, all residents of Boonda Tehsil Chatroo District Kishtwar.
The injured were identified as Manzoor Ahmed, son of Abdul Gaffar, Khatoon Begum, wife of Fareed Ahmed and Akhter Hussain, son of Mangu, all residents of Boonda Tehsil in Chatroo District Kishtwar.
After completing medical and legal formalities at PHC Chatroo, the bodies of the deceased were handed over to legal heirs for last rites.
A case under relevant sections has been registered at Police Station Chatroo and investigation started.
Meanwhile, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha tweeted, “Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to a tragic road accident in Kishtwar. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of injured. Directed District Administration to ensure best possible treatment to the injured”.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
