5 Killed, 19 Injured as Tempo Traveller Falls Into Gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda District

New Delhi (India) July 15: A Tempo Traveller fell into a deep gorge in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning. The accident killed at least five people. 

Accident on Doda-Barath Road

According to Doda DC Harvinder Singh, there are at least five deaths and nineteen injuries, four of which are critical. Singh reported that a five-year-old girl was among the critically injured.

According to the police officer, a Tempo Traveller turned off the road on Tuesday and fell into a deep gorge close to Ponda on the Doda-Barath road.

Steering Failure Suspected

Additionally, the district collector stated that initial reports indicate the accident was caused by a mechanical problem with the vehicle's steering. An in-depth examination will determine the exact reason. 

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed the accident on X today and said rescue efforts had begun.

He posted, “Spoke to DC Doda, Sh Harvinder Singh on receiving the information about a private tempo road accident in the vicinity of Bhart village, about 20 to 25 km from Doda city. 3 casualties reported so far, 4 others critically injured. All possible help and medical aid being provided. DC is personally supervising the entire exercise and giving me regular updates.”

Officials say that when the accident occurred, the car was carrying 23 passengers.

Quick Rescue Response

Authorities hurried to the scene to help rescue the victims. They provided emergency medical help as soon as local police and volunteers began their rescue efforts.

At the government Medical College hospital in Doda, Mohammad Ashraf (35), Mangta Wani (51), Atta Mohamed (33), Talib Hussain (35), and Rafeeqa Begum (60) were pronounced dead.

Lt Governor Manoj Singa, "Pained by the loss of lives due to tragic road accident in Doda. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for a speedy recovery of the injured” regarding the accident.

According to officials, 17 people were taken to the hospital by rescuers. Several of their conditions are considered to be severe. One of the critically injured, five-year-old Uzma Jan was sent to Jammu for specialised care.

Police and other security agency officers joined the locals. The locals had hurried to the spot shortly after the car went down into the gorge.

Aadrika Tayal