Driver killed, another critically injured as truck falls into gorge in Ramban

Ramban, Feb 27: A driver was killed and his another critically injured after a poultry-laden truck skidded off the road and plunged nearly 30 meters into a gorge near Hingni Morh in the Nachlana area along National Highway 44 early Friday morning, officials said.

According to official sources, the truck bearing registration number HR56C-2850 on its way to Srinagar from Jammu skidded off the road and plunged into a 30 meters deep gorge near Hingni Morh Nachlana resulting in the driver of the vehicle died on the spot whereas his companion sustained critical injuries.

On getting information Police, local volunteers and other rescue teams reached the spot and promptly launched a rescue operation.

The injured person was carefully retrieved from the gorge and shifted to Primary Health Centre (PHC) Ramsoo for medical treatment. Medical officials at the health centre described his condition as critical and said he is under close observation.

The body of the deceased driver Vikas Kumar (31) son of Sher Singh resident of Paju Kalan Haryana was also recovered and transported to PHC Ramsoo for medico-legal formalities.

Police said critically injured Rahul Kumar (26) son of Raj Kumar resident of Paju Kalan Haryana, Punjab was first shifted to SDH Banihal where after providing medical aid he was referred to Government Medical College and Hospital Anantnag for specialized treatment

Police has registered a case FIR number 13 under relevant sections of law at Police Station Ramsoo to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.

Preliminary reports suggest that over speeding could have led to the mishap, however, officials stated that the exact circumstances will be determined after a thorough inquiry.

Traffic movement on the highway remained temporarily disrupted during the rescue operation but was later restored.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police Ramban Arun Gupta has urged motorists to exercise caution while driving along the hilly stretches of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, particularly near sharp curves and vulnerable points, to prevent such tragic incidents.