DODA, July 15 — Five people, including a woman, were killed and 17 others injured when an overloaded tempo traveller veered off the Doda–Bharth road and tumbled into a deep gorge near Ponda—about 30 km from Doda town—on Tuesday morning, officials said.
The accident occurred just before 9 a.m. when the driver reportedly lost control on a blind curve. Rescuers and local residents raced to the scene as the vehicle lay overturned hundreds of feet below the roadway. The five victims—Mohammad Ashraf (35), Mangta Wani (51), Atta Mohamed (33), Talib Hussain (35) and Rafeeqa Begum (60)—were declared dead upon arrival at the Government Medical College hospital in Doda.
Seventeen survivors were rushed to the district hospital; several remained in critical condition late Tuesday. Five‑year‑old Uzma Jan, among the most seriously injured, was transferred to Jammu for specialised treatment.
Local police and security forces secured the site, while emergency crews worked through the morning to recover the injured and clear debris.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his grief, saying, “Pained by the loss of lives due to the tragic road accident in Doda. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for a speedy recovery of the injured.”
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who contacted Doda Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh immediately after the crash, posted on X: “All possible help and medical aid are being provided. The DC is personally supervising the entire exercise and giving me regular updates. Any further assistance, as required, will also be provided.”
Authorities have launched an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the vehicle’s departure from the roadway.
