Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu

Jammu, Oct 9: Two persons were killed and five others injured after a passenger vehicle went out of control and skidded off the road in the Moghla-Teryath area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Friday evening, officials said.

The accident occurred around 6 pm when the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road. Two persons died on the spot, while five others sustained injuries.

Police, with the assistance of local residents, shifted the injured to a hospital for treatment. The condition of some of the injured was stated to be critical.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident, and further details are awaited, officials said.

Road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir are often attributed to a combination of human error, challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. Overspeeding and sudden manoeuvres are among the major causes, while risky overtaking on sharp curves, narrow mountain roads and steep stretches can lead to head-on collisions or vehicles plunging into gorges.

Roads in the hilly region feature sharp bends, steep gradients, narrow carriageways and accident-prone stretches where guardrails, safety walls or road signage may be inadequate.

Heavy rainfall, snowfall, fog, poor visibility, landslides and falling boulders can further affect vehicle control and road grip. Overloading passenger vehicles and commercial carriers can also strain braking systems and destabilise vehicles on steep slopes.

Failure to use seat belts and helmets increases the risk of fatal injuries and head trauma. Long hours of driving on difficult mountain routes can cause fatigue, while impaired driving can delay reaction times in emergencies.

Motorists are advised to adhere to prescribed speed limits and follow National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signage, particularly along major routes.

Driving by minors is prohibited under the law. Parents may face imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 25,000 if a minor is found driving.

Mountain routes, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), are vulnerable to closures due to landslides, fog and snowfall. Travellers are advised to check traffic advisories and official updates before starting their journeys.