Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 16: In a tragic accident, eight persons were killed and one sustained injuries when a vehicle, they were traveling in, rolled down into deep gorge near Bhaderwah in Doda district this evening.
The ill-fated Winger bearing registration number JK02AR-9411 was on its way from Bhaderwah to Chinta when it met with accident at Renda, about six kilometers from Bhaderwah town at around 5 pm. The rash and negligent driving coupled with slippery condition of the road due to snowfall led to the tragic accident.
On getting information about the accident, a police party from Bhaderwah Police Station swung into action and started rescue operation with the help of locals. Later, Army personnel also joined the rescue operation.
It took more than two hours to the rescue teams to bring out the occupants of the ill-fated vehicle from the gorge and shifted them to Sub-District Hospital, Bhaderwah. Five passengers died on the spot while as three others succumbed to injuries later raising the toll in the accident to eight.
One of the passengers who had sustained critical injuries was referred to District Hospital Doda after first-aid in the Sub-District Hospital at Bhaderwah. His condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.
The deceased have been identified as Rakesh Kumar, son of Krishan Lal of Dugga, Surinder Kumar, son of Dharam Raj of Chinta, his wife Monika Devi, Sardari Lal, son of Gian Chand of Dugga, his wife Neena Devi, Rajinder Singh, son of Chand Raj of Dugga and Parvesh Kumar of Dugga. Identity of one deceased could not be established till late tonight.
The injured has been identified as Mithun Kumar, son of Sardari Lal of Dugga.
Police has registered a case in this connection.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah expressed grief and shock over the tragic road accident. He conveyed condolences to the family members of deceased and prayed for speedy recovery of injured.
In a message from Hyderabad, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad also expressed grief and shock over the death of eight persons in tragic road accident. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for early recovery of injured.
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