Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu
Jammu, May 6: A tragic road accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district claimed four lives and left 42 others injured on Tuesday, underscoring the persistent dangers of unsafe driving conditions in the hilly regions of the state.
According to officials, the mishap occurred near Ghani Mendhar when a passenger bus en route to Mendhar town from Ghani village veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, leading to the deadly fall.
Two people died on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. Among the deceased was an Army personnel from the 41 Assam Rifles, identified as Abdul Majeed, son of Abdul Aziz and a resident of Ghani Mendhar.
Rescue efforts were launched immediately after the incident, with locals quickly responding and later joined by the police, Indian Army, and CRPF personnel. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Officials noted that factors like overspeeding, overloading, road rage, and poor road conditions are major contributors to frequent accidents in the hilly districts of Jammu division — including Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Reasi.
In response, the traffic department has deployed special squads to monitor and penalize violations such as underage driving, reckless behaviour, and rule breaches. Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have also warned of strict punishments, including vehicle seizures, cancellation of registrations and licences, and legal action against parents of minors found driving.
In the urban centres of Srinagar and Jammu, authorities have intensified crackdowns on violators. Over the past four months, more than 6,000 vehicles, including motorcycles and auto-rickshaws, were seized for traffic rule violations.
To further reduce fatalities, officials have introduced awareness and safety campaigns. Two-wheeler riders are being counselled, provided with helmets, and subject to new measures — including fuel stations being barred from selling fuel to riders not wearing helmets.
Authorities say that alongside enforcement, building a culture of road safety is critical to preventing future tragedies in the Union Territory.