Drass, April 20: In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through the local community, an Alto car carrying three passengers met with a tragic accident near Sumat, close to Jasgond, in the Drass subdivision of Kargil district and fell into the Drass river. Two of the three passengers continue to be missing while the third was had a miraculous escape.
The vehicle, which was travelling towards Kargil, skidded off the icy, snow-laden road and plunged into the fast-flowing Drass river. According to eyewitnesses and locals, the car lost control while navigating a sharp bend, likely due to slippery road conditions aggravated by recent snowfall. The impact caused the car to tumble into the river’s icy waters, leading to chaos and immediate alarm among bystanders.
Eye-witnesses said that of the three occupants, one was miraculously rescued with injuries and was immediately rushed to the Sub-District Hospital in Drass, where he is currently receiving medical attention. His condition is reported to be stable. However, the two other passengers remain unaccounted for, feared to have been swept away by the strong river currents.
A comprehensive rescue operation was launched without delay, led by the Drass Police under the direct supervision of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Drass. The effort has seen a remarkable display of coordination and solidarity, involving personnel from the Indian Army, local volunteers and community organisations including the Ulma Council Drass.
Senior officers, including Additional Superintendent of Police Kargil Nitin Yadav, DySP Headquarters Kargil and DySP HDRF, along with their specialised teams, arrived at the scene to provide strategic oversight and logistical support. However, treacherous weather conditions—marked by heavy snowfall, plunging temperatures and reduced visibility—hampered initial efforts.
Local youth from across Drass, equipped with ropes, torches and unwavering resolve, joined forces with the administration and NGOs to comb the riverbanks and surrounding areas in the hope of finding the missing individuals. The incident has cast a pall of gloom over Drass, with families and residents anxiously awaiting news. Authorities have urged people to avoid venturing near the accident site, citing ongoing rescue efforts and safety risks posed by the turbulent river and inclement weather. As the search continues, prayers and hopes remain high that the missing may yet be found.
