Bhadarwah- Eleven people travelling in a mini-bus were killed and 14 injured when the vehicle skidded off the road and rolled down into a deep gorge on the Batote-Kishtwar highway in Doda district on Thursday, officials said.
The mini-bus, which was on its way from Thathri to Doda, fell into the gorge near Soi-Gwari, they added.
The driver, who was also among the dead, reportedly lost control of the vehicle and it fell downhill on the banks of the Chenab river, the officials said, adding that the incident occurred early in the morning.
Police, Army and SDRF personnel, assisted by locals, launched the rescue operation. The injured people were rushed to the GMC hospital in Doda, where doctors declared nine of them “brought dead”.
Superintendent Associate of the hospital Dr Yudhvir Singh said of the 25 people brought to the hospital, nine were declared dead and two succumbed to the injuries subsequently.
Seven of the nine who were brought dead were identified as Ghulam Hussain Shah (60), his son Shabbir Ahmed (30), Rhitik Sharma (19), Jammal din (23), Mohammad Latief (65), Annari Devi (55) and Bahadur Singh (65), the hospital authorities said, adding that Santosh Kumar (22) and Rajesh Kumar (24) died at the hospital.
Two bodies are yet to be identified, they said.
Six of the injured people were airlifted to the GMC hospital in Jammu for specialised treatment as their condition was critical, the authorities said.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep anguish over the tragic road accident in Doda. He also visited government medical college hospital (GMC) Jammu to enquire about the condition of those injured in the accident, officials said.
Sinha directed the health administration to provide best treatment to them for early recovery, they said.
“My thoughts and prayers for the families who have lost their loved ones. Have directed the District administration to provide immediate relief to families of deceased and best medical assistance to the injured,” he said in a tweet.
The LG said the Jammu and Kashmir administration will ensure the treatment of those injured in the tragic road accident.
“Rs 2 lakh to be given to next of kin of deceased from LG’s discretionary fund & Rs 1 lakh from road victim fund as immediate relief. I am monitoring the situation & every possible assistance to grieving families will be extended,” he said in another tweet.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also condoled the loss of lives in the accident.
PM, Amit Shah Condoles Loss Of Lives
Expressing grief over the loss of lives in a road accident in Doda district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) tweeted Modi’s condolence message, “Saddened by the road accident near Thatri, Doda in Jammu and Kashmir. In this hour of grief, I convey my condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the people who have been injured recover at the earliest.”
He also announced Rs 50,000 each for the injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha after a road accident in Doda district left nine people dead.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha after a road accident in Doda.
“Saddened by the road accident in J&K’s Doda. I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. I have spoken to Lt Governor @manojsinha_ ji. The administration is providing all possible help and treatment to the injured. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Shah tweeted in Hindi.
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