A tragic road accident in Jammu and Kashmir‘s Rajouri district on Sunday evening resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left five others with critical injuries after their vehicle plummeted into a deep gorge. The incident occurred on the Kandi Mohra road within the Kotranka sub-division, a region known for its challenging terrain.
The vehicle, identified as an Eeco, was reportedly en route when it skidded off the road, leading to the perilous fall. All seven occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries in the crash. Emergency services were immediately alerted, and the injured were first transported to the sub-district hospital in Kotranka for initial medical attention. Due to the severity of their conditions, they were subsequently referred to the Government Medical College (GMC) Associated Hospital in Rajouri for advanced care.
Officials at the GMC hospital confirmed that two of the injured individuals were declared brought dead upon arrival, bringing the total fatalities to two. The deceased have been identified as Khadim Hussain, a resident of Dhar Sakri village, and Shamim Akhter, a resident of Rehan village. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the condition of the remaining five injured persons remains critical, with one individual reported to be in a particularly grave state, underscoring the severity of the accident and the immediate need for comprehensive medical intervention.
The exact cause of the vehicle skidding off the road is still under investigation. However, preliminary reports indicate that the road conditions and possibly the speed of the vehicle might have contributed to the mishap. Local authorities have initiated a probe into the incident to ascertain all contributing factors and to review road safety measures in the area. The Kandi Mohra road, like many in the hilly regions of Rajouri, can present significant driving challenges, especially during adverse weather conditions or at night. The steep gradients and sharp turns require careful navigation, and any lapse in concentration or mechanical failure can have devastating consequences.
The incident has once again highlighted the persistent concerns regarding road safety in the remote and hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Frequent accidents, often attributed to a combination of poor road infrastructure, inadequate signage, and driver negligence, continue to pose a significant threat to commuters. The geographical landscape of the region, while offering scenic beauty, also presents inherent risks for transportation. Authorities have been urged by local communities and civil society groups to expedite infrastructure upgrades, including widening of roads, installation of guardrails, and improved lighting, particularly on accident-prone routes like the Kandi Mohra road.
The response from emergency services was swift, with local police and rescue teams working in coordination to extricate the injured from the gorge and ensure their timely transfer to medical facilities. The medical staff at GMC Rajouri are reportedly working tirelessly to provide the best possible care to the critically injured individuals. The families of the victims have been informed, and efforts are underway to facilitate their support and assistance during this difficult time. The community in Rajouri has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and enhanced road safety awareness campaigns to prevent future tragedies.
Further details regarding the ongoing investigation and the condition of the injured are expected to be released by the authorities in the coming days. The focus remains on providing medical aid and supporting the affected families while also addressing the systemic issues that contribute to such road accidents in the region. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with travel in mountainous terrains and the critical importance of robust safety protocols and infrastructure development.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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