Ganderbal, J & K : A journey from the picturesque tourist destination of Sonamarg towards Srinagar turned into a nightmare on Tuesday after a Tempo Traveller carrying 18 tourists plunged nearly 60 feet into a deep gorge near Gund Sumbal Power House in Kangan area of Ganderbal district, leaving all occupants, including the driver, injured. Six of the injured are stated to be in critical condition.

The vehicle, bearing registration number DL1VC-5231, was negotiating the stretch near Gund Sumbal Power House when it veered off the road and plunged into the gorge. The vehicle was on its way to Srinagar from Sonamarg when the accident occurred.

The fall into the deep gorge triggered an immediate rescue response, with local residents and police personnel rushing to the accident site. The injured had to be evacuated from the accident spot and shifted for medical attention as emergency arrangements were mobilised from different parts of the area.

With the number of injured requiring urgent medical assistance, ambulances were called from several health facilities, including Primary Health Centres at Sonamarg, Gund and Ganiwan. The coordinated response helped transport all the injured to PHC Gund, where they were provided initial medical attention.

Doctors at PHC Gund subsequently referred all 18 injured persons to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar, for further treatment. Six of them were reported to be in critical condition, raising concerns over their health.

SDPO Kangan Rajesh Raina confirmed the accident to Kashmir News Trust, saying that 18 tourists, including the driver, has sustained injuries. He said all the injured were initially taken to PHC Gund before being referred to SKIMS Srinagar, adding that six were critical.

The cause of the accident remains unknown. However, preliminary assessment suggests that over speeding may have contributed to the vehicle going out of control. “All the victims are the residents of Gurdaspur Punjab,” a medico from SKIMS said.

Report By : Aadil Abdullah