Two injured as Cement truck overturns in Drass

Drass, July 31: Two individuals sustained injuries on Thursday when a cement-laden truck overturned near Pandrass in the Drass Sub-Division, close to the Shai Bagh Bridge, severely disrupting traffic on the busy Sonamarg-Kargil highway.The vehicle, bearing registration number JK03L 7253, was on its way from Sonamarg to Kargil when the driver reportedly lost control, causing it to skid and overturn along a sharp bend of the mountainous road. The force of the crash flung debris across the carriageway, temporarily halting movement of vehicles in both directions.Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic. “There was a loud crash, and the truck flipped on its side, scattering cement bags everywhere,” said Ali Hussain, a driver who was following the truck. “We immediately rushed to help the injured before the police arrived.” Emergency teams from the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Drass reached the location swiftly and administered first aid before transferring the injured to the hospital. Medical staff later confirmed that both victims were in stable condition and out of danger.A police officer, while speaking to reporters said: “Our priority was to ensure the injured received prompt medical attention and that the road was cleared for safe vehicular movement. A formal investigation has been initiated to ascertain whether brake failure, over speeding, or road conditions played a role.”Efforts are ongoing to clear the highway of debris and remove the overturned vehicle. Traffic police are managing alternate movement where possible. Local residents have raised concerns over repeated accidents in the stretch between Shai Bagh and Pandrass. “This is not the first time,” said Mohammad Taqi, a resident of Pandrass. “The government must consider placing more cautionary signage and implementing stricter speed controls on this section of road.” Officials have appealed to drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially on downhill slopes and blind turns in the high-altitude terrain.