Srinagar- What was meant to be a day of joy, colour, and camaraderie at Srinagar’s famed Tulip Garden turned into an unspeakable tragedy for students of Government Degree College (GDC) Sogam, when their college bus overturned near Vodpora in Handwara on Saturday, killing two young women and injuring at least 21 others.
Officials said that the accident occurred around 8:30 am, shortly after the college bus reportedly lost control and overturned under unclear circumstances. They said the emergency teams, along with local residents, rushed to the scene to rescue the injured and shift them to Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara.
The deceased were identified as Mymoona Ali, a final-year student, and Asiya Rashid, a third-year undergraduate. According to officials, the bus carrying 27 students skidded off the road, reportedly after the driver lost control of the vehicle.
“We had just waved her goodbye,” said Mymoona’s cousin. “She was excited to see the tulips. We never imagined that would be our last moment with her.” The family received a call about the accident around 8:30 am—an hour after she had left home. In a desperate search that ended in heartbreak, they were informed that Mymoona had been severely injured, before receiving a second call: She was no more.
As news of the tragedy spread, shock and grief gripped the Valley. Social media was flooded with tributes, prayers, and questions. Classmates recounted the horror, many too traumatized to speak. “I sat behind Asiya. She was taking selfies and laughing. Moments later, I heard screams and saw blood,” one shaken student recalled.
Amid the mourning, questions began to surface: Was the crash caused by speed, mechanical failure, or official negligence? Locals alleged that the college bus had an expired fitness certificate and should not have been on the road in the first place. “If true, someone must be held accountable,” said a Handwara resident.
Medical Superintendent, GMC Handwara, Dr Aijaz said 23 students were injured in the mishap, most of whom are in stable condition. “We referred two critically injured students to Srinagar for specialized treatment. Unfortunately, one of them could not survive,” he said.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and also announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh for each of the deceased.
LG, CM, Others Express Grief
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.
“The loss of two young promising students from GDC Sogam in the tragic accident near Handwara is a tragedy that weighs heavily on all of us. My deepest condolences to their families in this hour of grief. Prayers for the swift recovery of the injured,” the CM’s office said on X.
Abdullah said the government was closely monitoring the situation and ensuring all necessary assistance.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed deep anguish over the accident. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed to the almighty to give the bereaved families strength to bear the loss.
“The news of the death of two young students in the Handwara college bus accident is extremely heartbreaking. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved family members. Praying for the early recovery of the injured,” Sinha said on X.
Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Umar Farooq, too expressed deep sorrow and anguish over the accident. Terming the incident heartbreaking, he said the loss of such young, promising lives is a great tragedy that has shaken the entire community.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and patience for them to bear this irreparable loss. The Mirwaiz also prayed for the speedy and complete recovery of all the injured students and expressed solidarity with the families and the entire college community.
He said such tragic accidents were a reminder of an urgent need to ensure the safety and security of students during educational outings and public travel.
Nasir Aslam Wani, an advisor to the chief minister, and Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Dar visited the injured at Government Medical College Hospital, Handwara.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Wani said the chief minister has sanctioned an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh each for the families of each of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for those severely injured, and Rs 25,000 for the other victims of the accident.
A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered into the circumstances that led to the accident, he added.
Handwara MLA Sajad Lone visited the Government Medical College Hospital, Handwara, to meet the injured students.
“My thanks to the doctors and the paramedics who have been working tirelessly. Thankfully all the students admitted to GMC Handwara at the moment, are safe. My prayers for their recovery. Two students who had been referred to Srinagar have lost their lives. May Allah grant them heaven,” Lone said on X.
The Health and Medical Education minister Sakina Itoo said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident involving students of GDC Sogam that claimed the lives of young Asiya Rashid and Maymoona Ali and injured several others. My heartfelt condolences to their family. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
“I’ve directed Director SKIMS, Principal GMC Handwara, Principal GMC Srinagar, CMO Kupwara and other health officials to ensure the best treatment for the injured,” she posted on X.
Similarly, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone, MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed and others extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured. (inputs from KNO)
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