Rafiabad: In a tragic incident on Thursday, three people lost their lives and eighteen others were injured, several critically, when a minibus overturned in Pazalpora Rafiabad, North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The minibus, bearing registration number JKO5-6339, overturned after the driver lost control. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, and the injured were transported to PHC Dangiwacha. Fourteen of the injured were subsequently rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for urgent medical care. Sadly, three individuals were declared dead upon arrival.
The deceased have been identified as Abdul Rashid Khan, son of Mohammad Yousuf Khan from Haman Markoot, Rafiabad; Noor Mohammad Junju, son of Alam Deen Junju; and Bashir Ahmad, also from Haman Markoot, Rafiabad. The condition of several injured passengers remains critical, with medical staff working tirelessly to provide the necessary treatment.
Preliminary investigations have revealed alarming details about the minibus’s condition and its compliance with regulatory standards. The vehicle had expired fitness, registration, tax, insurance, validity, and permit documents. It was discovered that the vehicle had been locked by the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Baramulla due to non-compliance with election duties for the Srinagar parliamentary constituency. The minibus’s route permit had also been suspended on May 13, 2024.
RTO Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, stated that records indicated the vehicle was unfit for road usage. Despite this, it was deployed in rural areas, raising significant concerns about oversight by the ARTO and rural traffic police. Additionally, it was revealed that the conductor was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Locals expressed outrage, questioning how the ARTO allowed the vehicle to be assigned for election duties despite its expired permits and fitness certificates. They criticized the failure to enforce the suspension of the vehicle’s route permit and highlighted the negligence of the rural traffic police in preventing the operation of an unfit vehicle.
Residents have demanded increased vigilance and enforcement to prevent such incidents in the future. They criticized the minibus owner and operator for running the vehicle despite its expired documents and known unfitness for road usage, and for allowing the conductor to drive, possibly contributing to the loss of control.
The community is calling for accountability and justice for the victims, raising concerns about the negligence of ARTO Baramulla and the rural traffic police. This incident has highlighted broader issues of overloading and unsafe public transportation in rural areas like Baramulla Kandi, Sangrama Kandi, Rafiabad, Uri, Patan, and Sopore.
Authorities emphasize the collective responsibility of the RTO, traffic police, and the transport system in preventing such incidents. RTO Kashmir assured that enforcement drives are being conducted, and defaulters will face strict consequences. The tragic accident underscores the urgent need for improved oversight, accountability, and public awareness regarding road safety.
Locals are demanding a high-level investigation into the incident to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the loss of three lives and the injuries to eighteen others. They call for stringent actions against negligent officers to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
