Ramban: Twenty persons were killed and twelve others injured when a passenger vehicle skidded off the road in Ramban district along the strategic Srinagar-Jammu highway on Saturday.
Reports reaching GNS said that the vehicle (Matador JK19-1593) overturned and rolled down about 500ft deep gorge near Kayla mode in Ramban.
Station House Officer (SHO), Ramban Inspector Vijay Kotwal confirmed the mishap and said that twelve passengers died on the spot and twenty others injured. He said that eight others seriously wounded succumbed later.
Deputy Commissioner (DC), Ramban, Showkat Aijaz Bhat told GNS that the accident took place near Kayla mode, 4 kilometers from Ramban.
The Deputy Commissioner who oversaw the rescue operation said that two choppers were pressed to airlift the injured to JMC Jammu for specialized treatment.
The Matador was its way to Ramban from Banihal when the accident took place at around 11:10 am.
Meanwhile, Governor Satya Pal Malik expressed grief over the loss of lives in the road accident.
In his message Governor has prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families. He has wished a speedy recovery to those injured in this accident.
Governor has directed the District administration Ramban to provide the best possible health care to those injured in government hospitals.
Governor has announced ex-gratia relief of Rs. 5 lakh for the next of the kin of those dead and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the accident. (GNS)
