High-Speed Vehicle Skids Off Seemari Road into Deep Gorge
In a devastating incident in North Kashmir's Kupwara district, at least five people lost their lives and six others sustained serious injuries when a passenger vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into the fast-flowing Kishanganga River.
The accident took place along the Seemari Road in the Tangdhar area near the Line of Control (LoC). According to local officials, the driver lost control of the vehicle—identified as an SUV—while navigating a treacherous bend along the mountainous road. The impact caused the vehicle to drop straight into a deep gorge before submerging into the river currents.
Swift Rescue Operation Launched by Locals and Authorities
Immediately following the crash, local villagers rushed to the scene to assist in initial rescue efforts despite the steep terrain and hazardous conditions. They were quickly joined by teams from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, state disaster response personnel, and district authorities.
Rescue workers managed to pull eleven individuals from the wreck and the surrounding riverbank. Tragically, five passengers died on the spot due to severe impact injuries. The six surviving passengers were immediately evacuated from the gorge and rushed to the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Tangdhar for emergency medical care, with critical patients being prepped for referral to higher medical facilities in Srinagar.
Senior Administration Inspects Spot; Probe Initiated
Senior district administration officials, including the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kupwara, visited the accident site at Seemari to oversee rescue and relief operations. Police have formally registered a case regarding the crash, and an official investigation has been launched to determine whether mechanical failure, poor road conditions, or driver negligence led to the fatal incident.
Top Leadership Expresses Deep Condolences
The tragedy drew widespread sorrow across Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep grief over the loss of lives, stating, "Deeply pained by the loss of lives in an unfortunate road accident in Kupwara. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the early recovery of the injured." The LG further confirmed that he directed the district administration to ensure the best possible medical treatment is provided to all six injured survivors.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also extended his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families and instructed medical authorities to leave no stone unturned in treating the victims.
