Govt. Announces Rs 5 lac to NoKs of Deceased, Rs 1 Lac to Injured
Suhail Khan
BARAMULLA, Jan 31: The first month of the year ended on a sad note with a deadly road accident in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Eight lives were tragically lost in the accident, while seven others who were injured are currently fighting for their lives in a hospital.
An official told Kashmir Despatch that a deadliest accident occurred when a passenger vehicle (Tata Sumo) with the registration number JK05D 0946 was traveling from Boniyar to Uri. However, when it reached Bujthalan Tutmulla, the driver lost control of the vehicle and it skidded off the road, plunging into a deep gorge.
News of the accident quickly spread in the area, prompting people, police, and the army to rush to the scene. After approximately 30 minutes, the joint efforts of the teams led to the recovery of all the bodies. They were then taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors sadly declared seven of them dead upon arrival. Additionally, eight injured individuals were immediately transferred to GMC Baramulla. Unfortunately, one of them later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight, according to the official.
A doctor at GMC Baramulla confirmed this tragic news to the Kashmir Despatch, stating that all the injured individuals are currently receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
The deceased individuals have been identified as Tahira, wife of Reyaz Ahmed Sheikh; Amina Bano, daughter of Abdul Gani Sheikh; Mohammed Maqbool, son of Ahmed Sheikh; Maqsood Ahmed, son of Ghulam Rasool Sheikh; Sameena Begum, wife of Abdul Hamid Shah; Sarwa Begum, wife of Ghulam Mohammed Bakhshi; Abdul Rehman Lone, son of Fathe Lone; and Abdul Razak, son of Abdul Rehman. All of them were residents of Bujithallan.
The doctor also provided the names of the injured individuals: Shabir Ahmed, son of Abdul Gani; Khursheed Ahmed, son of Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh; Junaid Ahmed, son of Mohammed Ashraf; Shabir Ahmed, son of Mohammed Abdullah; Meema, daughter of Mohammed Iqbal Sheikh; Mohammed Shafi, son of Bashir Ahmed; and Yasir Ahmed, son of Reyaz Ahmed. They are also residents of Bujithallan.
The tragic news quickly spread throughout the area, leaving everyone heartbroken and emotional.
In response to the accident, the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Raina, visited the Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla on Wednesday evening. Their purpose was to assess the condition of the injured patients from the tragic accident at Bujthalan Boniyar Uri.
According to a statement issued by the administration to the Kashmir Despatch, during the visit, the DC interacted with the injured individuals and their attendants to ensure they were receiving proper medical care. The DC also assured them of every possible support from the district administration during this difficult time. Additionally, the DC directed the Medical Superintendent to provide all necessary medical support to the patients.
Afterward, the DC also visited the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Boniyar, where the injured and deceased were initially brought. There, the DC interacted with the doctors and medical staff to gain more insights into the situation.
Speaking to the media regarding the accident, the DC stated that a Tata Sumo vehicle, en route from Bujthalan Village to Boniyar and carrying passengers, skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge. The prompt response from local volunteers and police personnel facilitated the rescue efforts, resulting in the saving of seven lives. The survivors are currently receiving treatment at GMC Baramulla. The DC extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the eight individuals who lost their lives in the accident and assured them of every possible support from the district administration.
Furthermore, the Jammu and Kashmir Government announced ex-gratia relief for the next-of-kin of the deceased and for the treatment of the injured individuals involved in the fatal accident. According to the Office of LG Manoj Sinha, an amount of Rs. 5 lakh will be given to the families of those who lost their lives, and Rs. 1 lakh will be given to the injured individuals. The district administrations have also been directed to provide prompt assistance to the affected families.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
