By Khabar Rojana 
The critically injured were rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for treatment. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
At least five people died while 17 others sustained injuries as a overloaded tempo traveller rolled down a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda. The tragic accident occurred when the driver of a tempo traveller lost control while negotiating a blind curve around 9 am, police said.
The critically injured were rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for treatment. The accident took place on Doda-Bharth road near Ponda, some 30 kms from Doda town.
Rescue operation is underway, and the exact number of casualties is yet to be ascertained, sources said. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
Deceased identified
Mohammad Ashraf (35) Mangta wani (51), Atta Mohamed (33), Talib Hussain (35), Rafeeqa Begum (60) were declared brought dead at government Medical College hospital Doda.
Seventeen people were rescued and taken to the hospital, with several reported to be in critical condition, officials said. Among them, a five-year-old girl, Uzma Jan, who was critically injured, was referred to Jammu for specialised treatment.
LG Manoj Sinha expresses grief
Locals were the first to respond after the vehicle plunged into the gorge, with police and other security personnel arriving shortly thereafter to assist in rescue operations.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Democratic Progressive Azad Party president Ghulam Nabi Azad have expressed their condolences over the tragic loss of lives in the Doda road accident.
In his condolence message, the Lt Governor said: “Pained by the loss of lives due to tragic road accident in Doda. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for a speedy recovery of the injured.”
Union Minister Jitendra Singh responds to incident
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also responded to the incident, stating that he spoke to Doda Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh upon receiving news of the accident.
“All possible help and medical aid being provided. DC is personally supervising the entire exercise and giving me regular updates. Any further assistance, as required, will also be provided,” he said in a post on X, offering his condolences to the families of the deceased.
Raveena Kumari