Posted by Jammu: At least Ten people were killed in a tragic accident on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Friday after an SUV skidded off the road and plunged into a 300-feet deep gorge in the Ramban district, police said.
The ill-fated vehicle, a Tavera, was travelling from Jammu to Srinagar when it rolled down the deep gorge at the Battery Chesha locality of the district around 1:15 am, killing ten passengers.
Rescue teams comprising the police and the SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) were rushed to the spot and were carrying out the rescue operation according to the latest available information. Officials said ten bodies have been recovered from the gorge with the heavy rains hindering the rescue efforts.
Two of the deceased were identified as the driver Balwan Singh (47), hailing from Amb Ghrotha in Jammu, and Vipin Mukhiya Bhairagang of Bihar’s West Champaran. The exact cause the accident has not been ascertained yet and an investigation is underway.
#WATCH | A passenger taxi rolled down a deep gorge on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near Battery Chashma in Ramban area. Police, SDRF and civil QRT Ramban reached on spot, rescue operation is going on: J&K Police pic.twitter.com/csynkpEwov
— ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2024
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Jitendra Singh were among several public figures who expressed grief over the loss of lives and offered condolences.
“Pained to hear about the loss of lives in a road accident in Ramban area on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,” the Vice President wrote on X.
“Deeply shocked to learn of the unfortunate road accident in Ramban in which precious lives have been lost. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I’ve issued instructions to Dist Admin & Div Com to render all assistance, as provided in the rule, to the kin of victims,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s office said.