Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, October 11, 2025: In a tragic road accident in Kishtwar District, three people were critically injured after a landslide struck a passenger vehicle bearing Registration No. JK17-0942 in the remote Sigdi Balana area, approximately 45 km from Kishtwar. The critically injured were airlifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu for advanced treatment.
Rescue teams successfully recovered nine people, including two minors, from the debris of the ill-fated vehicle. The critically injured—Tanvir Bhawani (48 yrs), Ravi Kumar (26 yrs), and Lakshmi Devi (46 yrs)—were initially taken to District Hospital Kishtwar before being airlifted to GMC Jammu, with MLA Shagun Parihar actively coordinating and ensuring their safe transfer.
The following injured were admitted to District Hospital Kishtwar on October 11, 2025:
1. Jevika, daughter of Deepak, Sigdi, 5 yrs
2. Jamal Din, son of Mahar Din, Sigdi, 48 yrs
3. Suresh Kumar, son of Ram Chand, Sigdi, 38 yrs
4. Nazir Ahmed, son of Mohd Shah, Sigdi, 31 yrs
5. Devan Chand, son of Krishan Lal, Sigdi, 48 yrs
6. Tanvir Bhawani, son of Majid Bhawani, Sigdi, 48 yrs (critically injured, airlifted)
7. Ravi Kumar, son of Shiv Nath, Sigdi, 26 yrs (critically injured, airlifted)
8. Gudi Devi, daughter of Deepak Kumar, Sigdi, 26 yrs
9. Sonika, daughter of Deepak Kumar, Sigdi, 4 yrs
10. Lakshmi Devi, daughter of Ishar Chand, Sigdi, 46 yrs (critically injured, airlifted)
11. Mira Devi, daughter of Sanjay Kumar, Tagood, 29 yrs
12. Rinku Devi, daughter of Devan Chand, Sigdi, 21 yrs
Local residents have raised concerns against the R&B Department, blaming poor road safety measures and unregulated road cuttings for making the area prone to landslides. According to locals, loose rocks and steep slopes created during road construction contributed to the vulnerability of the terrain.
The vehicle was traveling from Sigdi to Kishtwar when the landslide, caused by dislodged rocks, struck it, leaving the passengers in a critical situation. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident, and rescue operations are being closely monitored to prevent further casualties.
