5 dead as vehicle falls into gorge in J&K

Five people died while 12 others were injured when the vehicle ferrying them skidded off the Bhaderwah-Pathankot road near Guldanda area and slid into a deep gorge in jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Tuesday afternoon.

Those injured were immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital by local volunteers and police personnel, said Doda Police. All deceased were residents of Doda, Kathua, and Ramban districts.

“Five people were declared brought dead while 12 injured were hospitalised. Among those hurt, one person with serious injuries was being airlifted to Jammu while another was referred to Doda GMC,” said Doda SSP Abdul Qayoom, adding that a case had been registered in this connection and an investigation was underway.

“Spoke to DC Doda, Vishesh Mahajan, after receiving information… All further assistance, as required will be provided. I am in constant touch,” Union minister Dr Jitendra singh tweeted .

Meanwhile, in Ramban district, two persons died and another was injured after their car fell into a gorge in Rampaari area around 1.30 pm Tuesday. Police said the Alto 800 was heading from Ramsoo to Banihal when the accident took place.

The injured person was shifted to Banihal sub-district hospital for treatment. Both the injured and deceased were from Sarbagni Ramban, police said.