A harrowing road accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s hilly Doda district turned tragic when an overloaded tempo traveller plunged into a gorge, killing seven passengers, including a 6-year-old girl, and injuring 17 others. According to Daily Excelsior, the incident occurred early Tuesday morning on the Doda–Bharth road near Ponda village when the driver reportedly lost control while navigating a blind curve.
Local police and rescue teams rushed to the accident site after nearby residents alerted authorities. The vehicle had veered off the narrow road and tumbled down the slope, coming to rest deep in the gorge. Victims were pulled from the wreckage by villagers and police personnel, and transported to the district hospital in Doda. Sadly, a 6-year-old girl and several adult passengers were declared dead on arrival.
Hospital doctors confirmed that among the injured were critically wounded individuals who required immediate surgery and advanced care; one such case involved a five-year-old girl who was later referred to a medical facility in Jammu. Local authorities confirmed that at least 17 individuals, ranging from young children to the elderly, were hospitalised with injuries of varying severity.
In a statement condemning the tragedy, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow, extending condolences to the bereaved families and pledging full support for the injured. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also spoke to local officials, assuring that all necessary treatment would be provided. The Chief Minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah, and senior leaders from various parties echoed the sentiment of grief and solidarity.
Preliminary investigations suggest the tempo traveller was dangerously overcrowded, believed to be carrying over 20 passengers. Sources indicate the driver may have attempted to avoid oncoming traffic or misjudged the sharp turn in poor road visibility. Local officials have initiated a legal inquiry into both driver negligence and potential violations of transport regulations.
Unfortunately, this accident is not isolated in the region. Similar incidents in Uttarakhand earlier this week saw eight killed and several injured when a minibus plunged into a gorge on the Thal‑Muwani road, echoing a recurrent pattern of overloaded vehicles and dangerous road conditions in India’s mountainous areas These accidents highlight systemic issues with road design, vehicle regulation, and enforcement in hill districts.
As families grieve, local administration in Doda has announced support measures, including free treatment for the injured and financial assistance for the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, the road has been temporarily closed for a forensic and investigative survey by traffic police and forensic experts aimed at reconstructing the sequence of events.
Safety experts have urged authorities to immediately improve infrastructure along the Doda–Bharth corridor, installing guardrails on blind curves, and enforcing strict passenger limits. Public awareness campaigns on safe travel in hilly terrain are also being recommended by transport activists.
The recent surge in similar tragedies has sparked debate about rural transport modernization and rider safety protocols in India’s hill regions. Analysts are calling for more frequent road audits, stricter issuance of permits, and regular fitness checks for vehicles operating in dangerous terrain.
For now, the focus remains on rescue and rehabilitation in the aftermath. Local citizens, who played a critical role in the initial rescue, continue to assist relief efforts alongside emergency teams. Hospitals report that while several patients remain in critical condition, others are expected to recover over time.
Photo Credit: Daily Excelsior
