Poonch: At least ten people were injured in a road accident near Kalai in Poonch after a minibus lost control and veered off the road, reportedly due to the driver’s negligence and suspected intoxication.
According to officials, the minibus (registration number JK12D-5793) was on its way from Poonch to Surankote when the accident occurred. Near the Kalai area, the vehicle is said to have gone out of control and plunged into a roadside ditch.
Local residents and nearby Army personnel responded swiftly, rescuing the injured passengers and assisting in their evacuation. All ten injured individuals, including several women, were immediately shifted to District Hospital Poonch for treatment.
Dr. Parvez Ahmed Khan, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Poonch, confirmed the arrival of the injured at the hospital. “All patients are stable and are receiving the necessary medical care,” he said.
A passenger who survived the crash alleged that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and was driving erratically. “He appeared drunk. The bus was swerving dangerously, and despite our repeated warnings, he didn’t stop. Moments later, he lost control and the bus fell into a ditch,” the passenger stated.
The incident has triggered widespread concern among locals, many of whom blame recurring accidents in the region on reckless and intoxicated driving. Residents are now calling on the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Poonch and traffic police to take strict and immediate action against negligent drivers who put lives at risk.
Poonch Police have registered a case and confirmed that an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
