In a heart-wrenching incident, ten individuals lost their lives, including eight residents from Bihar, after an SUV veered off the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and plummeted into a gorge in Ramban district. The unfortunate event occurred at the Battery Cheshma area of the district, leaving a trail of devastation and sorrow.
The ill-fated vehicle, identified as a Tavera, was en route from Srinagar to Jammu when the mishap took place around 1.15 am. Despite rescue efforts amid heavy rains, the bodies of nine passengers and the driver were recovered from the 300-foot deep gorge.
Among the victims were residents of Bihar’s West Champaran district, namely Raju Kumar, Avadhesh Bin, Belas Bin, Indrajit Bin, Bipin Mukhiya, Raj Kumar Bin, Hari Bin, and Rajan Mukhiya. The driver, Balwan Singh, hailed from Amb Ghrotha in Jammu, while one passenger, Sandeep, was from Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities swiftly launched an operation involving police and State Disaster Response Force personnel to retrieve the bodies, concluding the arduous task by early afternoon. Senior officials, including Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary and Senior Superintendent of Police Anuj Kumar, visited the site to assess the situation and oversee the investigative procedures.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the grieving families. In a gesture of support, the Prime Minister’s Office announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for each deceased individual’s next of kin.
President Droupadi Murmu and Union Minister Jitendra Singh also conveyed their sympathies and solidarity with the affected families, emphasizing the need for prompt relief measures and comprehensive support during such distressing times.
The tragic accident prompted heartfelt messages from political leaders across various parties, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. As investigations into the incident continue, the collective focus remains on providing solace and assistance to the bereaved families grappling with an irreparable loss.
Sources By Agencies