LG Manoj Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah Express Grief Over Loss of Lives in Ganderbal Accidents
Five Dead, 18 Injured in Two Tragic Road Accidents in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Mar 24: In a heartbreaking series of road accidents, five people lost their lives, including three tourists, while 18 others were injured in two separate incidents in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Sunday.
The first accident occurred around 10:20 AM on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway near the CRPF camp in Gund. A passenger bus traveling from Kulan to Srinagar collided head-on with a private Etios vehicle coming from the opposite direction. The impact killed four people, including three tourists from the same family and the driver of the private vehicle.
According to police sources, the deceased were identified as tourists Leesha Ashish Puri, Nikki Ashish Puri, and Hetal Ashish Puri, along with their driver Faheem Ahmad Badyari of Srinagar. They were declared dead at Trauma Hospital Kangan after sustaining critical injuries.
Eighteen passengers in the bus, including children and women, sustained injuries. Many were rushed to local hospitals for treatment, while some were later referred to SKIMS Soura and Bone & Joint Hospital Barzulla for advanced care.
A swift rescue operation was launched by local residents, civil society members, Gund Police, SDRF, Army, CRPF, Traffic Police, and Tourist Police. Senior officials, including SSP Ganderbal S. Raghav S (IPS), SDPO Kangan, and SHO Gund, visited the hospitals to assess the situation.
In another tragic incident, an 8-year-old boy, Afshan Shabir, son of Shabir Ahmad Thekry from Hariganiwan Kangan, was fatally hit by a Renault Kiger in the Hariganiwan market area. The child was rushed to SDH Kangan, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Leaders Express Condolences
The tragic accidents drew reactions from top leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, MLA Kangan Mehar Ali, and BJP leader Ravinder Raina.
LG Manoj Sinha expressed deep grief, stating:
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the loss of precious lives in the tragic road accident in Ganderbal today. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for the early recovery of the injured.”
CM Omar Abdullah took to X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident on the highway near Gund, Kangan, which has claimed several lives and left many others injured. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance.”
MLA Kangan Mehar Ali also expressed sorrow, stating:
“Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic incident in the Gund-Kangan area. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with everyone injured, and I sincerely hope for their swift recovery. Authorities are requested to provide all necessary assistance.”
BJP leader Ravinder Raina wrote:
“Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic road accident near Gund in Ganderbal. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Meanwhile, police have registered a case in connection with both accidents and have launched an investigation.
