Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 28: Five people were killed and six others injured after a passenger vehicle skidded off the Teetwal-Simari road and fell into the Kishenganga river in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Monday.

The accident occurred in the Simari area of Karnah in the border district, officials said.

The injured were initially shifted to the Sub-District Hospital in Tangdhar for treatment. They were later referred to the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Handwara for further treatment.

The identities of those killed and injured were being ascertained.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.

In a post on X, Sinha said he had directed the district administration to ensure the best possible treatment for those injured and prayed for their early recovery.

Overspeeding and reckless driving are among the major causes of fatal road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir. Traffic authorities and parliamentary data have identified overspeeding as a leading contributor to serious crashes and fatalities.

Sudden overtaking, aggressive manoeuvring and violation of lane discipline can further increase the risk of fatal collisions.

The hilly terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, along with fragile mountain roads, landslides and seasonal erosion caused by monsoon rains and snowfall, also poses significant challenges to road safety.

Narrow stretches, loose soil along mountain cuttings and inadequate crash barriers or service lanes further compound the risks, while insufficient monitoring and enforcement can allow traffic violations to persist, particularly among heavy commercial vehicles.

The traffic department has deployed special teams in hilly districts to monitor violations and take measures aimed at preventing road accidents and loss of lives.