Ganderbal: Tragic road accident turns Eid celebrations into mourning

Ganderbal, June 16: The joyous Eid celebrations in Kulan Gund were abruptly transformed into mourning following a tragic road accident in Pani Matha, Zojila. Three members of the same family lost their lives, and three others sustained injuries in the incident, adding to the series of accidents on the highway.
According to reports, the accident occurred when a private Alto car, bearing registration number JK01AH/8487, was struck by a heavy brick stone falling from a nearby hill. The family was travelling from Matayan Drass to Kulan to celebrate Eid when the mishap occurred. The impact was immediate and devastating, resulting in the deaths of two passengers on the spot, while three others were injured.
Emergency response was swift as the Sonamarg police, health team, and local residents rushed to the scene to begin rescue operations. Despite their efforts, one of the injured, who was transported to PHC Sonmarg, succumbed to injuries. The other injured individuals were transferred to the hospital for further treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Gh Mohi ud din Sheikh (40), his wife Syeda Begam (38), and their son Zeeshan Mohi ud din Sheikh (14). The injured include the driver, Ab Majeed Bhat, Sahil Ahmad Bhat, and Rabia Mahdin, all residents of Matayan Drass.
This tragic incident has cast a pall over the entire Kulan Gund area, with a wave of mourning sweeping through the community. The family, known for moving between Matayan Drass in the summer and Kulan in the winter, had been eagerly anticipating their Eid celebrations, now overshadowed by this devastating loss.
The Zojila Pass has been notorious for road accidents, with at least twelve fatalities recorded last year, including several local drivers. The continuing series of accidents on this treacherous route highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
In a related incident, the body of 25-year-old Sharukh Ahmad Lone, son of Nazir Ahmad Lone from Kangan Wooder, was recovered from a PDC water canal in Kangan. The recovery followed a 12-hour rescue operation conducted by locals and police.