Probe blames driver’s negligence, bad road condition for Kishtwar accident
Srinagar, Jul 04: Preliminary inquiry into the Kishtwar road accident in which at least thirty-six persons were killed and sixteen others injured, has blamed negligence of the driver and bad road condition for the mishap.
The accident occurred on Monday morning when an overloaded minibus skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge at Thakrie area of Keshwan in Kishtwar district of Jammu division. At least 36 passengers died and 16 others were injured in the accident.
“The preliminary inquiry has revealed the negligence on the part of the driver and the dilapidated condition of the area,” Transport Commissioner, Dr S P Vaid said while pointing to the “preliminary findings”.
Vaid as per a news agency said the road in the area is narrow and has been constructed under PMGSY. “The road is in very bad condition without any protection bunds,” he said.
Vaid also said that although he had ordered inquiry into the accident initially, “the government too issued orders for through probe into the accident. I too will visit the accident site for through probe into the accident.”
The inquiry, according to the officials, will look into the reasons for the accident, fix responsibility, if any, and suggest measures to be taken to prevent recurrence of such accidents in Kishtwar.
The J&K government had last year introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Council Bill, 2018, advocating the formation of a State Road Safety Council. According to the bill, the proposed council will be responsible for ensuring road safety across the state and will advise the State government on transport safety measures.
