Tragedy Strikes Again: Two Dead, 17 Injured in Akhnoor Accident.

||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh June 3, 2024||

AKHNOOR: In yet another tragic incident in the Akhnoor area of Jammu district within a week, a road accident has claimed the lives of two individuals and left 17 others injured, with five in critical condition.

The recent accident follows closely on the heels of a devastating crash on May 30, which resulted in the death of 22 people and injuries to 69 others at Tungi Morh area in Tanda Village, Akhnoor. The victims were on their way to the Shiv Khori Shrine in Reasi district from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, when the ill-fated bus met with its catastrophic end.

A senior police officer detailed the latest incident, explaining that a matador (JK02AQ-8477) heading to Selanwali from Akhnoor lost control near Dhangri in Kaleeth Village around 5:45 PM. The vehicle, unfortunately, was under the control of a cleaner who lacked adequate driving skills. This resulted in a disastrous crash that injured 19 people.

Immediately following the accident, a swift rescue operation was launched by the police team, with substantial assistance from local residents. The injured were rushed to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Akhnoor. Sadly, two of the passengers were declared dead on arrival. Five severely injured individuals were later transferred to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu for more intensive care, while the remaining injured are receiving treatment at SDH Akhnoor.

The deceased have been identified as Divyansh Bhagat (26), son of Harbans Lal of Chajwal, Kharah Balli, Khour, and Kewal Kumar (26), son of Chuni Lal of Sarmala, Kharah Balli, Khour.

The five critically injured who were moved to GMC Jammu include:

●Sunny Kumar (34), son of Ashok Kumar of Pallanwala

●Kailasho Devi (50), of Sarmala, Kot Maira

●Mahi Chib (17), daughter of Baloch Singh of Bawa Tallab, Marh, Jammu

●Pooja Devi (35), wife of Bala Chand of Bawa Tallab, Marh, Jammu

●Anjali Devi (23), daughter of Romesh Lal of Kot Maira, Akhnoor, Jammu

The Injured at SDH Akhnoor:

●Jagdish Raj (50), son of Hans Raj of Narayana, Khour

●Priyanaka Devi (20), daughter of Kama Ram of Jogwan, Khour

●Goutam Sharma (28), son of Gharu Ram of Bardoh

●Kuldeep Raj of Bhalwal Brahamana, his wife Radha Rani (32), and daughters Peehu ( and Yashavi

●Vidyanshi (14), daughter of Sohan Lal of Salenwali, Khour

●Kulwant Kumar (40), son of Darshan Lal of Shahpur, Narayana

●Nisha Devi, wife of late Bachan Lal of Bardoh, Akhnoor, her daughter Devanshi (7) and son Devyanshu (9)

●Manvi Chib (age unknown), daughter of Baloch Singh of Bawa Talab, Marh, Jammu

According to the police, the accident occurred because the driver handed over control of the vehicle to his cleaner, who was inexperienced. “Barely driving a few kilometres after taking control of the steering, the cleaner hit the vehicle and then fled the scene,” the officer reported. The driver also escaped following the crash, prompting a manhunt to locate both individuals responsible.

Meanwhile, the police have registered a case (FIR number 93/2024) under relevant sections of the law at Akhnoor Police Station and have commenced a thorough investigation into the matter.

This tragic event underscores the critical need for stricter regulations and better training for drivers to prevent such avoidable disasters. The community mourns the loss of lives and prays for the recovery of the injured while calling for justice and accountability.