In the wake of two distressing incidents – a bus accident in Assar claiming 39 lives and injuring 17, and a devastating fire in Bhaderwah gutting eight residential houses, shops, and a food point – a high-level delegation led by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, along with Inspector General Anand Jain and other senior officials, visited the affected areas to assess the situation.
Bus Accident in Assar:
Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Doda Harvinder Singh, DIG DKR Dr. Sunil Gupta, DIG Traffic Jammu Sridhar Patil, and other officials, conducted a thorough assessment of the Assar accident site. The delegation discussed immediate safety measures to prevent future mishaps, focusing on enhancing road safety along the highway and other roads in the district. The Executive Engineer PWD was directed to identify black spots, raise crash barrier heights, and install signages and mirrors for improved visibility. The delegation later visited Government Medical College & Hospital Doda to inquire about the injured and ensure proper medical care.
A Road Safety Committee meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar discussed the causes of the accident and devised safety measures. Instructions were issued to post a senior doctor and paramedic in CHC Assar, station a critical care/Advanced Life Support Ambulance between Assar and Khellani, and take strict action against traffic rule violators. Authorities were directed to install crash barriers, signages, and other safety equipment at black spots.
Divisional Commissioner emphasized the need for strengthening control rooms, inter-district coordination, and healthcare infrastructure. He called for advanced training of Civil Defense volunteers, disaster response teams, and local rescue volunteers. An immediate audit of accident causes and casualties by designated officers from various departments was stressed.
Fire Incident in Bhaderwah:
The delegation also visited the fire site in Bhaderwah. Eight residential houses, shops, and a food point were engulfed in the devastating fire. The Divisional Commissioner assessed the damage, response efforts, and relief and rehabilitation measures. An inquiry into the cause of the blaze was initiated, and the ADC Bhaderwah was tasked with preparing a detailed report. The affected individuals were assured of thorough support, and necessary relief materials had already been provided by the district administration.
The public was urged to follow precautionary measures with electronic gadgets and appliances, especially during the upcoming winter season. The administration emphasized the importance of fire extinguishers for immediate use in case of fire incidents.
