3 killed, 5 injured as van plunges into gorge in Reasi

Ramban, Mar 23: At least three persons, including a minor, were killed and five others injured when a passenger van skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Reasi district on late Monday afternoon.

The accident occurred near Kund Morh in Budhan along the Mahore–Gool road amid heavy rainfall, which is believed to have contributed to the mishap.

According to official sources, the Eco van (registration number JK19A-4098) was travelling from Mahore to Gool when the driver lost control near Kunda Morh, causing the vehicle to plunge into the gorge.

Soon after the incident, local residents, along with police teams, rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. Two persons were found dead at the scene, while six others were rescued from the gorge and taken to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Budhan.

One of the injured, a 15-year-old boy, later succumbed to his injuries while being shifted to hospital, raising the death toll to three.

Senior Superintendent of Police Reasi, Paramvir Singh, confirmed the incident, stating that two victims died on the spot while the minor died during evacuation.

Officials said the injured were initially treated at PHC Budhan and later referred to District Hospital Reasi for further treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Rafaqat Hussain (15), Mohammad Rafi, Haq Nawaz (22), son of Mohammad Shafi, and Shahraza Rahi (18), son of Mohammad Shafi, all residents of Budhan.

The injured include Umar Gul (21), the driver of the vehicle; Shahziza Kousar (18) of Dachan; Sadam Hussain (22) of Toongwali Gool; Adil Hussain (20) of Mahakund Gool; and Shah Nawaz of Budhan tehsil Thuroo.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further investigation.