Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu
Jammu, Aug 15: At least five people were killed on Saturday after a Scorpio vehicle rolled down into a deep gorge near Tender Nallah in the Dachhan area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, officials said.
The accident reportedly occurred around 10.30 am at Yaivan near Tender Nallah, Dachhan. The vehicle, bearing registration number HR29AG-0648, plunged into the gorge before landing in the Chenab River.
All five passengers travelling in the vehicle died on the spot. Officials have not yet disclosed the identities of the deceased.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Dr Jitendra Singh said he spoke to Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving information about the accident.
"Unfortunately, all the 5 passengers travelling in the vehicle lost their lives on the spot," Singh said in a post on X, while conveying his condolences to the bereaved families.
Hilly districts prone to accidents
The hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Ramban and Udhampur have witnessed frequent fatal road accidents.
Experts attribute such accidents to poor road conditions, over-speeding, overloading, rash and negligent driving, road rage and other traffic violations.
The traffic department has deployed special teams to check violations, while Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Jammu and the Valley regularly publicise penalties for traffic offences.
Authorities have warned that if a vehicle is found being driven by a minor, the parents can face imprisonment in addition to a fine. Vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers can face cancellation of their registration certificates, while licences of drivers found guilty of rash and negligent driving may also be cancelled.
Petrol pumps have also been advised against supplying fuel to two-wheeler riders who arrive without wearing crash helmets.
Stunt biking a concern
Stunt biking by youngsters on roads and highways remains another major traffic concern in the region. Authorities have imposed measures including counselling, parental intervention, cancellation of vehicle registration certificates and monetary fines in such cases.