Seven dead, three hurt in Kishtwar accident

JAMMU: Seven workers of the under-construction Pakal Dul Hydel Power Project died, while three others were injured after their vehicle fell into a 300ft-deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Wednesday.
Kishtwar SSP Khalil Poswal said the Cruiser vehicle was ferrying 10 workers after a change of shift when the accident took place near the site of Dangduru power project in Dachhan area. While six passengers died on the spot, another critically injured worker succumbed during evacuation. The remaining three workers, who sustained injuries in the accident, were shifted to Kishtwar district hospital for specialised treatment.
Two of the deceased workers — Itva and Rahul —were from Jharkhand while the others belonged to J&K.
Police registered a case and launched an investigation, while dismissing social media rumours of the banned People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) — an offshoot of Pakistan-backed terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed — claiming responsibility for the accident. “The news circulated on social media by disruptive illegal organisation PAFF claiming responsibility for the road accident of a vehicle in Dangduru, Dachan, is fake,” SSP Poswal said.
Meanwhile, according to Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman & former J&K CM Ghulam Nabi Azad, locals have alleged that the construction company was using outdated transport for ferrying the workers as well as not providing employees with safety equipment, thus leading to such mishaps. “So, I demand an inquiry into the allegations alongside adequate compensation by both the company and the government to the victims’ families,” he said.
Condoling the tragedy, Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh tweeted: “Spoke to DC Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav about unfortunate road accident at Dangduru Dam site. Injured being shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar or GMC Doda as per requirement. All possible help, as required, will be provided.”
J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, in an official communique, stated: “I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families and wish those injured a speedy recovery… I have instructed the district administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected persons.”
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic accident... I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured in this mishap.”