Jammu: A passenger tempo traveller skidded off a blind curve on the Doda–Bharth road near Ponda (around 30 km from Doda town) at approximately 9 a.m. on Tuesday. The vehicle plunged into a deep gorge, resulting in a tragic toll: five people, including a woman, died—three instantly on the spot and two later at the Government Medical College in Doda—while 17 others sustained injuries, several of which are critical .
Local residents, police, SDRF teams and volunteers quickly responded, rescuing the injured and transporting them to nearby hospitals. A five-year-old in critical condition has been referred to a hospital in Jammu for specialised treatment . Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed that the district commissioner is overseeing relief efforts, and all possible medical aid is being provided .
Road safety in the hilly regions of Jammu & Kashmir remains a major concern. Authorities attribute such recurring tragedies to factors like poor road conditions, rash driving, vehicle overloading and negligence, especially on challenging curves . Investigations are ongoing into the exact cause of the accident.
