Kulgam, Dec 13: Two people lost their lives after a container truck overturned in Pombay village of Kulgam district late Thursday evening, officials said.
An official said that the accident occurred at Pombay Nihama when a truck (registration number JK03P/0505) carrying apple boxes en route to Kulgam lost control and overturned. The vehicle collided with a cement and pesticides shop before hitting an electricity transformer and turning over.
“The truck’s cabin was severely damaged, and it took considerable time to rescue the occupants,” the official added.
Police, local residents, administration, and rescue teams worked tirelessly to rescue the individuals trapped inside the cabin. A JCB machine was also used to assist in retrieving them.
The two individuals were eventually rescued and rushed to the hospital but succumbed to their injuries. They were identified as Reyaz Ahmad Rather (34), son of Mohd Raja Rather, and Mukhtar Ahmad Itoo (28), son of Mohd Rajab Itoo, both residents of Gopalpora, Kulgam.
Reyaz Ahmad was a teacher posted at Government Primary School, Mochi Mohalla, Gopalpora.
Fayaz Ahmad, a local from Pombay, said that they heard a loud bang and rushed to the spot. The vehicle had crushed an electricity transformer and turned turtle. Fortunately, there was no electricity at the time. The truck also damaged two makeshift shops storing cement and pesticides, along with a tin shed.
He added, “We immediately tried to rescue the trapped individuals, but it was a challenging task. Despite strenuous efforts by the police and rescue teams, the duo couldn’t survive the accident.”
On Friday, Sakina Masood (Itoo) cabinet Minister for Health And Higher Education visited the bereaved families in the village and offered her condolences and sympathies.
Meanwhile, the police have registered a case under FIR number 139/2024 at Damhal Hanjipora Police Station under relevant sections of the law and have initiated further investigations.
