Six persons killed in Rajouri road mishap

Our Correspondent

Rajouri, March 31

Five members of a family and the driver of the passenger vehicle in which they travelling were killed in a road accident in Rajouri district around 12.30 am on Sunday. One of the family members was critically injured.

Four passengers, including the driver, died on the spot, while one passenger died at District Hospital, Rajouri. The sixth passenger, who was critically injured and was referred to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Jammu, succumbed to his injuries on way to the hospital.

One of the critically injured passengers remains admitted to the GMCH.

The family, which met with the accident, was from Sabzi Dodaj village in Darhal tehsil of Rajouri. It was travelling from Jammu to Rajouri.

“The family reached Rajouri after 11 pm on Saturday and hired a vehicle for their onward journey,” said the Station House Officer (SHO), Darhal.

The driver lost control over the vehicle at a sharp curve in Dhankot village and it rolled down 40 feet into a gorge about 12.30 am, said the SHO.

Those who died on the spot have been identified as Rashim Bi, Shokit Hussain, Muneer Hussain and Mohammad Shabir, the driver. Mohammad Bashir died on way to the GMCH, Jammu. Another passenger, Mohammad Hussain (60), succumbed to his injuries at Associate Hospital of GMC, Rajouri.

“Three critically injured passengers were shifted to Rajouri hospital. One of them succumbed to his injuries and two were referred to the GMCH, Jammu,” said Dr Mehmood, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Rajouri.

Meanwhile, the police have started investigation into the incident.

People of the area have blamed the district administration for the poor condition of the Rajouri-Darhal road, which is under repair for the last more than seven years.

Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, MA Asad has sanctioned Rs 15,000 each for the last rites of the six dead persons, while Rs 10,000 was provided to the injured.