A fatal road accident at the picturesque tourist destination of Sonamarg in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district resulted in the deaths of three tourists, including two women. A child sustained severe injuries in the mishap.
The incident occurred when a Tata Sumo vehicle, registration number JK13B-9912, veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near the Panimatha spot. This location, situated between Bajri Nallah and Captain Mode, is frequently traversed by tourists traveling to Zero-Point from Sonamarg. The steep terrain and sharp curves of this road are notorious for being perilous, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Officials from the Ganderbal district confirmed the tragic news, revealing that four passengers were in the vehicle at the time of the accident. The driver, in a stroke of sheer luck, managed to escape unscathed. Sadly, the two female tourists and a male companion lost their lives instantly due to the impact of the crash. The fourth passenger, a child, was critically injured and has been rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Authorities are currently verifying the identities of the deceased tourists. This process is essential not only for informing their families but also for any diplomatic or procedural formalities that might be required if the tourists were international visitors.
Local police and rescue teams responded swiftly to the scene. Eyewitnesses reported the prompt arrival of emergency services, who faced challenging conditions due to the difficult terrain. The rescue operation was complicated by the steep drop and the narrowness of the road, necessitating the use of specialized equipment to retrieve the victims and the injured child.
In the wake of the accident, local authorities have reiterated the need for caution while traveling on mountain roads, especially in regions prone to sudden weather changes and landslides. The road to Zero-Point is popular among tourists for its breathtaking views and proximity to glaciers, but it also poses significant risks.
Kashmir’s tourism sector, while a vital part of the local economy, often has to balance the influx of visitors with the need for robust safety infrastructure. This latest accident underscores the need for continuous improvements in road safety standards and emergency response mechanisms to ensure the well-being of tourists and residents alike.