Jammu, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Five people were killed on Saturday after a Scorpio vehicle rolled into a deep gorge near Yaivan in the Dachhan area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, officials said.
The accident occurred at around 10.30 a.m. near Tender Nallah, when the vehicle, bearing registration number HR29AG-0648, plunged into the gorge. All five occupants died at the spot.
The identities of the deceased had not been released by officials at the time of filing the report.
Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh, said he had spoken to Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving information about the accident.
In a post on X, Singh said the Scorpio had rolled down into a deep gorge at Yaivan and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with road travel in the hilly districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Ramban and Udhampur have witnessed several fatal road accidents.
Experts have attributed such accidents to factors including poor road conditions, speeding, overloading and rash or negligent driving.
The traffic authorities have deployed special teams to check violations, while Regional Transport Offices in Jammu and Kashmir regularly publicise penalties for traffic offences.
Authorities have prescribed penalties including imprisonment for parents, along with fines, when vehicles are driven by minors. Registration certificates can be cancelled for vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers, while valid driving licences may also be cancelled in cases involving rash and negligent driving.
Traffic authorities have also advised petrol pumps against supplying fuel to two-wheeler riders who arrive without crash helmets.
Stunt biking by young people on roads and highways remains another traffic concern, with authorities resorting to counselling, parental intervention, vehicle-registration cancellation and monetary penalties in such cases.
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