Jammu: Six people, including two women, were killed and three others injured when a vehicle veered off the road and fell into a ditch in Poonch district on Wednesday, officials said.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed their anguish over the tragic accident and directed the district administration to provide immediate assistance to those affected.
The accident took place at Seri Chouhana village in Sheldhar area of Surankote and the condition of one of the injured, a child, was stated to be critical, the officials said.
“An unfortunate accident occurred this evening, resulting in on-the-spot death of six persons and injuries to three others,” Poonch Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma said.
He said a rescue operation was launched immediately and the injured were rushed to hospital.
The officials said the vehicle, a Maruti Eeco, was heading for Seri Chouhana village when its driver lost control and the vehicle fell into a roadside ditch around 5.30 pm, resulting in the death of the six persons.
The deceased were identified as Mohd Shafiq (32), Nazakat Hussain (34), Sheraz Ahmed (30), Mohd Fareed (21), Musarat Naz (19) and Zulfat Bi (25).
Five-year-old Irshan Ahmed along with Mohd Amin (30) and Tahir Ahmed (25) were injured in the accident and were rushed to district hospital Poonch, the officials said, adding the critically injured child was referred to Government Medical College hospital for specialized treatment.
Chief Medical Officer, Poonch, Dr Pervez Khan said an information about the accident was received through the PCR, following which the 108 ambulance service, additional ambulances and other emergency resources were immediately dispatched to the site.
Bodies of six persons – four men and two women – were brought to the district hospital, he said.
In a post on X, Lt Governor Sinha said, “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 shared a post on X, stating that Abdullah expressed deep grief over the road accident, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
The CMO is in constant touch with the concerned authorities to extend all possible assistance, the post said.
