Five killed as vehicle plunges into gorge in Kishtwar

Kishtwar, Aug 15: Five people were killed on Saturday after a Scorpio vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge at Yaivan near Tender Nallah in the Dachhan area of Kishtwar district.
According to preliminary information, the accident occurred when the vehicle, bearing registration number HR29AG-0648, reportedly went out of control and rolled down into the gorge.
All five occupants were reported to have died on the spot.
A police team reached the accident site following the incident, while rescue and relief operations were launched in the area. Further details regarding the identities of the deceased and the circumstances leading to the accident were awaited.
The accident was initially reported with the vehicle untraced, but subsequent information confirmed the involvement of the Scorpio and its location in the gorge.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences over the loss of five lives and directed the District Administration and senior officials to ensure immediate assistance to the affected families.
In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said he was pained by the loss of lives in the accident and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of five precious lives in a tragic road accident in Dachhan area of Kishtwar district.
In his condolence message, the Chief Minister said he was deeply pained by the loss of lives in the unfortunate accident and expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families at this difficult hour.
He prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss.
The Chief Minister has also directed the District Administration Kishtwar and senior officials to ensure that immediate assistance and all necessary support are provided to those affected by the accident. [KNT]