Budgam, Nov 16 (JKNS): Four persons, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed and seven others injured when a dumper collided with a Sumo passenger vehicle on the Waterwani stretch of the Budgam Ring Road late Saturday evening, officials told JKNS.
According to officials, the impact of the collision led to three on-spot fatalities, while another critically injured passenger succumbed at the hospital despite efforts by medical teams.
The deceased include ten-year-old Zainab of Mahwara, whose death has sent shockwaves through the locality. Her father, Nisar Ahmad Rather, along with two other family members, Bashir Ahmad Rather and Khatoon, also died in the accident, leaving the family shattered.
Seven others sustained injuries in the crash. Police said five injured passengers have been shifted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar, while two remain under treatment at District Hospital Budgam. Their identities are being withheld.
Eyewitnesses told JKNS that local residents and passersby were the first to respond, pulling the injured from the wreckage before emergency services reached the spot. The road remained blocked for a brief period due to the rescue operation and the damaged vehicles.
Police have taken cognizance of the incident, and a detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the collision.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued to JKNS, National Conference said Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President & Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed profound grief over the tragedy. The NC leaders conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Chief Minister has directed the district administration to extend all necessary assistance to the affected families and ensure timely medical care for those injured. He further stressed that the circumstances leading to the accident must be thoroughly examined. (JKNS)
