4 dead, 2 missing as vehicle plunges into Kishtwar rivulet

Four persons were killed and two others are still missing after a vehicle fell into a rivulet in Sanyas area of mountainous Kishtwar district of Jammu division.

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Among the missing is the driver of the vehicle who was not located till Sunday evening even as the rescue operations by police and locals continues in the area. The accident took place in Paddar area of the district.

The vehicle was plying on a narrow road and was on its way to Massu village. It is believed that the accidents might have taken place as the driver was not able to negotiate a curve on the road causing the vehicle to fall into a rivulet.

The deceased have been identified as Raj Kumar, 22, Mukesh Kumar, 20, Haqiqat Singh, 28, and Satish Kumar, 26, all residents of Garh Paddar. The missing have been identified as Sahil Kumar and Navrattan Kumar, also residents of Ghar Paddar.

Locals immediately informed the police after which ambulances reached the spot. However four victims had died on the spot.

Udhampur MP and Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. “Saddened to learn just now that 4 of the passengers travelling in the vehicle have been found dead on the spot. Two other persons, including the driver, are not traced as yet. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families”.

The minister said he contacted Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Rajesh Kumar Shavan immediately after receiving the report about the accident. “Rescue teams have been put into action. I am regularly receiving the updates,” he said.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed grief over the loss of lives. “Pained by the loss of lives due to a tragic road accident in Kishtwar. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones,” the L-G said.