SRINAGAR: At least five people have died and over a dozen others sustained injuries after a tempo vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Ponda area of Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.
According to officials, the accident occurred when the vehicle lost control on a mountainous stretch and fell into the gorge, prompting an immediate rescue operation by police and residents. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Doda, Dr Om Kumar, confirmed that two of the injured succumbed later in the hospital, bringing the death toll to five. He also noted that several others remain critically injured, and the toll could rise further.
Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, IAS, earlier stated that he has directed the hospital authorities to provide all necessary medical care to the injured. “Immediate attention and adequate facilities have been ensured for the treatment of those hurt,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, offering his condolences to the bereaved families. “Pained by the loss of lives due to the 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,” the LG said in a condolence message.
Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further investigation into the cause of the crash. (GNS)
