Five Killed, Six Injured As Vehicle Falls Into Kishenganga River In J&K’s Kupwara

A passenger vehicle skidded off the Teetwal–Simari road and plunged into the Kishenganga river in the Karnah area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Monday, leaving five people dead and six others injured. Officials said the injured were initially taken to the Sub-District Hospital in Tangdhar.

They were later referred to the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Handwara for further treatment. Authorities are working to ascertain the identities of those killed and injured.

Manoj Sinha Expresses Grief

J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed the district administration to ensure the best possible treatment for those injured.

Sinha said he was “deeply pained” by the loss of lives in the road accident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Road Safety Concerns In J&K

Overspeeding and reckless driving are among the primary causes of fatal road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir. Traffic department and parliamentary data have identified overspeeding as the single-largest contributor to severe crashes and fatalities.

Sudden overtaking, aggressive manoeuvring and violations of lane discipline can also lead to deadly accidents.

The region’s hilly terrain and fragile mountain roads add to the risks. Landslides, road erosion during monsoon and snow seasons, narrow corridors, loose soil along mountain cuttings and inadequate crash barriers can contribute to loss of vehicle control.

Poor enforcement of traffic regulations has also been cited as a factor in persistent safety violations, particularly involving heavy commercial vehicles.

The local traffic department has deployed special teams in hilly districts of J&K to check traffic violations linked to fatal road accidents.