RAMBAN: A tourist from West Bengal was killed and 56 people, including nine security personnel, were injured in two separate road accidents on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district on Saturday, officials said.
The first accident occurred around 8:50 am near Maroog, when a passenger bus travelling from Srinagar to Jammu lost control and collided with a hillside. The bus, carrying tourists returning from a Kashmir holiday, had a West Bengal registration.
A woman passenger, identified as Jamuna of West Bengal, died in the accident, while 47 others sustained injuries. Four injured passengers—Suchitra, Lakshwanti, Kedar Patra and Fouji Ram—were referred to Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu, for further treatment. The remaining injured were reported to be stable.
Following the accident, a Quick Reaction Team comprising police and CRPF personnel was dispatched from District Police Lines, Ramban, to assist in the rescue operation. However, the security vehicle overturned near Kela Morh, injuring six police personnel and three CRPF personnel. The injured security personnel were reported to be stable.
The twin accidents occurred within about half an hour, officials said, prompting rescue and medical teams to respond to both sites.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of life and assured that the seriously injured would receive the best possible medical treatment. He also spoke with the Ramban Deputy Commissioner regarding the treatment of those shifted to GMC Jammu.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh also spoke to Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and said all possible assistance and medical aid were being provided, with his office remaining in contact with the authorities.
The incidents have once again highlighted the challenges posed by the mountainous Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, with authorities continuing to ascertain the circumstances behind the accidents.
