Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu
Jammu, Aug 26: Six people are feared dead and five others injured after a road accident in the Surankote area of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Wednesday.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the incident and directed the district administration to provide immediate assistance to those affected.
"Pained by the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Poonch. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Have directed the District Administration to ensure immediate assistance is provided to those affected," Sinha said in a post on X.
Senior civil and police officers rushed to the accident site to supervise relief and rescue operations, with local residents also joining the efforts.
According to officials, the accident occurred near the Shiendra area of Surankote. Six people are feared to have died, while five others sustained injuries. The injured were immediately shifted to a nearby health facility for treatment.
Further details regarding the cause of the accident and the identities of those involved are awaited.
The hilly districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi and Udhampur have witnessed frequent fatal road accidents. Experts attribute such incidents to poor road conditions, rash and negligent driving, overspeeding, overloading and road rage.
Traffic authorities have deployed special checking squads in these districts to enforce traffic discipline. Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) have also been issuing warnings through newspapers about penalties for traffic violations, including cancellation of vehicle registration certificates and driving licences, as well as action against parents when minors are found driving.
Petrol stations have been advised not to provide fuel to two-wheeler riders who are not wearing helmets.
Authorities have also identified stunt driving by young people as a major concern. Registration certificates of vehicles involved in such violations are being cancelled, while parents are being counselled at traffic control rooms.