At least four people were killed, and two others, including the driver, remain missing after their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a river in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. The tragic accident occurred in the Paddar area, where the vehicle reportedly lost control, rolled down a hill, and fell into the water. A rescue operation is currently underway, but the authorities have yet to identify the vehicle involved or the individuals affected.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief from local leaders. Union Minister and Udhampur MP Jitendra Singh expressed his condolences over the loss of lives, sharing the news of the fatalities on social media. He confirmed that rescue teams had been deployed, and he had been in regular contact with Kishtwar’s Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan to monitor the situation. “Two others, including the driver, are still missing. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” Singh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, this incident follows a similar tragedy in Bandipora district, where an Army vehicle also fell into a gorge, killing four soldiers. The accident, which took place near the Wular Viewpoint on Saturday, was attributed to poor visibility and inclement weather conditions. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army reported that soldiers were promptly evacuated for medical care, with assistance from local Kashmiris. Tragically, one more soldier succumbed to injuries during evacuation, raising the death toll from this incident to four.
Both accidents highlight the perilous driving conditions in the region, especially during adverse weather. Local authorities and rescue teams are working diligently to recover the missing individuals and provide support to the affected families.
Traffic in the affected areas has been disrupted, and police have issued advisories to help ease movement for commuters.
