Jammu, : Ten people, most of them said to be non-locals, were killed when a Taxi (Tavera) carrying passengers on way to Kashmir from Jammu rolled down about 300 meters deep gorge near Battery Chashma along Jammu-Srinagar highway midnight, officials said.
A senior police officer told GNS that information was received at around 1.15 a.m. midnight that a Tavera vehicle, carrying passengers towards Kashmir from Jammu, fell into a gorge and rolled down about 300 meters near Battery Chashma on the highway.
Immediately, he said, senior officers besides a police party headed by SHO police station Ramban, SDRF team and civil QRT Ramban rushed to the spot and started a massive rescue operation amid heavy rains.
“So far 10 bodies have been found in the deep gorge and were shifted through tough terrain amid continuous rainfall”.
Two identity proofs have been recovered from the site so far and include that of Balwan Singh son of Purab Singh of Amb Ghrotha Jammu who is said to be the driver of the vehicle, the officer said.
Another identity card is that of Vipin Mukhiya son of Vishwa Nath Mukhiya of Inarbrwa ,Bhairagang west Champarn Bihar, the officer said.
SSP Ramban Anuj Kumar (IPS) confirmed to GNS that ten bodies were recovered and were shifted amid downpour in the area.
Meanwhile President Droupadi Murmu mourned the loss of lives in the road accident and conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families.
In a post on social media platform ‘X’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on the accident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of each of the deceased.
In his condolence message, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “I am deeply shocked to learn of the unfortunate road accident in Ramban today, in which precious lives have been lost. I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
“I have issued instructions to the District Administration and Divisional Commissioner to render all assistance, as provided in rule, to the kin of victims.” (GNS)
