Eight persons were killed and seven others injured after an overloaded cab fell into a gorge in Baramulla district on Wednesday.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa said the passenger cab, which was carrying 15 passengers, skidded off the road while it was on way from Bujithalan village to Boniayar Uri and fell downhill.
He said due to the slippery road the Sumo skid off the road and fell into a gorge.
“A joint rescue operation was immediately launched and so far eight have died. Out of them seven died on spot and one succumbed on way to Government Medical College Baramulla,” the DC said.
He said except one, all other injured were admitted in GMC Baramulla and their condition is stated to be stable.
The dead were identified as Tahira, Amina, Moahmmad Moaqbook Sheikh, Abdul Rehman, Maqsood Ahmed, Sarwa, Sameena and Yasir- all residents of Bujithalan village.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh to be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives in the tragedies.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic accidents in Baramulla & Kishtwar. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh to be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives in the tragedies. The injured would be given Rs. 1 lakh,” the office of LG said in a post on X.
The LG directed the district administrations to provide all possible assistance to the families expeditiously.