A commercial van carrying passengers veered off a road in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday evening, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to three others. The accident occurred around 5:30 pm in Shiendara village, located in the Surankote area of the border district. The vehicle, identified by its registration number JK20A-8702, was en route to Seri Chowana village.
Initial reports indicate that the driver lost control while attempting to navigate a sharp curve, causing the Eeco van to plunge onto a lower, narrower road. The van was carrying eight passengers in addition to the driver, who was among the deceased. The fatalities included four men and two women, while the injured comprised one child and two adults. The child sustained head injuries and was subsequently referred to the Government Medical College in Jammu for specialized medical attention.
Following the incident, local residents immediately converged at the accident site to assist in moving the victims. Ambulances were dispatched by the police and local administration to expedite the evacuation of the survivors and transport the deceased. As per information available with Tahir Rihat, the deceased have been identified as Mohd Shafiq, 32; Nazakat Hussain, 34; Sheraz Ahmed, 30; Musarat Naz, 19; Mohd Fareed, 21; and Zulfat Bi, 25, all residents of Seri Chowana. The injured individuals have been identified as Mohd Amin, 30; Irshan Ahmed, 5; and Tahir Ahmed, 25.
Some unconfirmed reports suggested that the commercial vehicle may have been operating without a valid permit for the route it was plying. Locals also brought to attention the deplorable condition of the roads in the vicinity where the accident took place, highlighting potential contributing factors to the tragedy. The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating in a released statement, “Pained by the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Poonch. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Have directed the district administration to ensure immediate assistance is provided to those affected.”
The Chief Minister’s office also issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), conveying deep grief over the accident in Surankote, Poonch. The statement affirmed that the Chief Minister has extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. The Chief Minister’s Office indicated it was in constant communication with the relevant authorities to provide all necessary assistance.
The accident underscores the persistent challenges related to road safety in the region, particularly in hilly and border areas where road infrastructure can be inadequate and driving conditions demanding. The sharp curves and narrow roads, as described by locals, often pose significant risks to commuters. The involvement of a commercial vehicle, potentially operating without proper authorization, also raises questions about regulatory oversight and enforcement mechanisms in place to ensure public safety on the roads. The prompt response from local administration and residents in the immediate aftermath of the accident highlights the community’s resilience and commitment to mutual aid during times of crisis. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continuous improvements in road infrastructure, stringent enforcement of traffic regulations, and enhanced safety measures to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future. The ongoing investigation into the exact cause of the accident is expected to shed further light on the contributing factors, including the condition of the vehicle and the road, as well as the driver’s actions. The authorities are expected to provide comprehensive support to the affected families, including medical care for the injured and assistance for the families of those who lost their lives.
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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