Srinagar- Eight members of a family, including five children, were killed when their vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Saturday, officials said.
A policeman, two women and five children aged between six and 16 are among the dead, they said.
The victims were travelling from Kishtwar towards Marwah via the Sinthan Top when their vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge at Daksum, officials said.
The family of eight died on the spot, they said.
An official said that a Maruti Swift vehicle bearing registration number (JK03H9017) lost control and rolled down the road near Aarshan Hut, approximately 20 km from Daksum Naka.
“Due to a lack of network connectivity in the area, it took some time to inform the district administration in Anantnag,” he said, adding, “Upon receiving the information, medical, police, and CRPF teams, along with local residents, rushed to the scene. Unfortunately, all occupants of the vehicle were found dead, and their bodies were recovered and transported to SDH Kokernag.”
Sub District Magistrate (SDM) Kokernag, Suheel Ahmad Lone, confirmed that eight members of a single family, including five children, died in the fatal accident.
He said that postmortem examinations were conducted at SDH Kokernag, and the deceased, identified as residents of Kishtwar, were transported to their native village for last rites.
The deceased were identified as Policeman Imtiyaz Rather (45), son of Ghulam Rasool Rather, Afroza Begum (40), wife of Imtiyaz Rather, Reshma (40), wife of Majid Ahmad, Areeba Imtiyaz (12), daughter of Imtiyaz Rather, Aniya Jan (10), daughter of Imtiyaz Rather, Abaan Imtiyaz (6), daughter of Imtiyaz Rather, Musaib Majid (16), son of Majid Ahmad and Mushail Majid (8), son of Majid Ahmad.
A police official said that a case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
This tragic accident adds to a worrying trend of road fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Official figures reveal that from January to the end of July this year, 2,864 accidents occurred in the union territory, including 324 fatal and 2,540 non-fatal accidents. In these incidents, 417 people lost their lives, and 3,894 were injured.
LG, Politicians Express Grief
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has expressed grief over the tragic road accident in Daksum, Anantnag.
In a condolence message, the LG has said: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the loss of precious lives in an unfortunate road accident in Daksum, Anantnag today. My thoughts and prayers are with bereaved family members during this hour of grief. I have issued instructions to the District Administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected family”.
Political leaders also expressed grief over the tragic accident.
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed shock over the tragic accident. He sought compensation for the families of the deceased.
“Shocked by the tragic accident on the Sinthan-Daksum road, where 8 people, including 5 children, 2 women, and a cop lost their lives. The Kishtwar-Kashmir road is tough and hilly. We must exercise caution and avoid rash driving. I urge the government to compensate the families of the deceased,” Azad posted on the social media site X.
The National Conference also expressed grief over the tragedy. “Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah have expressed profound shock and grief over the fatal road accident at Daksum, where 8 people, including 5 children, tragically lost their lives. They extended their heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for those who have suffered this immense loss,” read the party’s post on X.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) wrote: “Party President Ms. Mehbooba Mufti has expressed deep shock over the tragic loss of eight family members in the Daksum Sinthan Top accident that included five children. My heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. In these trying times, I urge the authorities to provide immediate compensation and support to the affected families. May the departed souls rest in peace.”
“Deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Kokernag that claimed the lives of 8 people including 5 children and a policeman,” said Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC). “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased. May they find strength in this difficult time,” the party added.
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