6 killed as vehicle falls into Chenab

Our Correspondent

Ramban, April 25

Six persons were killed and six injured when a Srinagar-bound Tavera (JK03D-8876) skidded off the road at Mehad, 4 km from here, and fell into the Chenab around 5:10 am today.

Five of the victims were members of a family from Bihar. They were going to Wanpoh in Srinagar to work as labourers. The sixth victim was the driver of the taxi.

Rashtriya Rifles men patrolling the area noticed the incident. Volunteers of the quick response team of the Red Cross and personnel of the police and the State Disaster Response Force reached the spot.

Six injured persons found beside the Chenab were taken to the District Hospital in Ramban. They extricated four bodies while two were yet to be located. The team was led by Ramban SSP Randeep Kumar.

The deceased were identified as Mohd Nizzamuddin of Sialdah Majhom, Mohd Afroz and Mohd Rahim of Aradia and Mohd Ayoub Malik of Lissar Kokernaag, the driver.

The police said Mohd Ashraf of Sipol and Mohd Karim of Aradia were missing and a 12-member team of Army divers from Udhampur were searching for them.

Mohd Tayyab was referred to the District Hospital in Anantnag as he was seriously injured. The other injured were identified as Mohd Rabban, Mohd Nizammudin, Mohd Farooq, Mohd Jahangir and Mohd Tahfooz.

Mohammad Rabban said they left Jammu around 10 pm last night and the driver was lighting a cigarette when he lost control over the steering of the vehicle.

Ramban mahila BJP president Sunita Kumari donated Rs 5,000 for the treatment of the injured. Students of the Government Polytechnic arranged lunch for the injured.

Ramban MLA Neelam Kumar Langeh and former MLA Ashok Kumar expressed grief over the tragedy and sympathy with the bereaved families.