J&K: 6 feared dead, 5 injured in Poonch road accident

Jammu, Aug 26 (IANS) Six people are feared dead and five others injured after a road accident in the Surankote area of J&K’s Poonch district on Wednesday.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the incident on X, saying, “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.”

Senior civil and police officers rushed to the spot to supervise relief and rescue operations, while locals also joined the effort.

According to officials, the accident occurred near the Shiendra area of Surankote. Six people are feared to have died, while five others sustained injuries. Officials immediately shifted the injured to a nearby health facility for treatment.

Further details regarding the cause of the accident and the identities of those involved are awaited.

Hilly districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi and Udhampur are notorious for fatal road accidents. Experts attribute these incidents to poor road conditions, rash and negligent driving, over‑speeding, over‑loading and road rage.

Traffic authorities have deployed special checking squads in these districts to enforce discipline. Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) have been issuing warnings through newspapers in J&K highlighting punishments for traffic violations, including cancellation of registration certificates, driving licences and penalties for parents if minors are found driving vehicles.

Petrol stations have been advised not to issue fuel to two‑wheeler drivers without helmets. Another major menace is stunt driving by youth, with authorities cancelling registration certificates of vehicles involved and counselling parents at traffic control rooms.

–IANS

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