Six people from Waltengoo-Nar in Kulgam who lost their lives in a road accident in Shimla on Monday reached their homes on Tuesday evening.

Working as labourers, they lost their lives after the pick up they were travelling in fell into a gorge near Karaghat in Shimla.

Eyewitnesses told that a somber atmosphere thickened as the bodies of labourers arrived at their homes.

The grief-stricken family members of the victims were seen wailing inconsolably for their near and dear ones.

Tears welled up in his eyes of Ghulam Ali Denda as he recalled the incident saying, “these labourers had left their homes eight days ago to take up work in distant places of Shimla. Unfortunately, we received their bodies today.”

He said that among the six, four were married, each leaving behind a family and children.

“The wounds from the 2005 snowstorm are still raw. And now we are grappling with yet another devastating blow. Six breadwinners have departed, leaving all of us in profound despair,” he said.

Almost 19 years ago, snowstorm struck the villages devouring over 200 people.

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He said that the J&K administration should promptly extend support, including ex gratia and compensation.

“While a lost life can’t be restored, government assistance is crucial for those affected by the tragedy.”

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat along with SSP Kulgam Sahil Sarangal visited the area and met the bereaved families.

Speaking to media, the Deputy Commissioner said that comprehensive arrangements have been put in place. “As of now, the entire district administration is actively supporting the families, and the ex gratia issue will be raised with the Divisional administration,” he added.

A local driver among five tourists were killed after a vehicle they were travelling in rolled down into a deep gorge at Zojila pass in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

Vehicle was on its way to Sonmarg and when it reached Panimath, it skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge.

An official said that the driver of the vehicle bearing Reg No Jko4b 5801 lost his control and fell into a deep gorge at Panimath near Zojila pass.

He said that in the incident five tourists died including the local driver. The slain driver has been identified as Aijaz Ahmed Awan, a resident of Satrina, Kangan, Ganderbal, while the slain tourists were identified as Sudesh, Anil, Rahul and Vignash, all residents of Chitur District Pallackad, Kerala.

The three injured Rajesh, Arun and Manoj, who are being treated at SKIMS Soura where their condition is stated as serious.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and set the investigation into motion.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat expressed grief over deaths of Kulgam residents in a road accident at Shimla.

He said the District Administration Kulgam is in touch with Shimla Administration for transportation of last remains of all the deceased to their native villages.

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It was informed that six workers from Kulgam district died, and as many were injured in a road accident in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh  today on Monday morning at 7am when a vehicle, they were travelling in, fell into a gorge in Sunny Kangal Kararghat.

The deceased have been identified as Fareed Ahmad Deedar, (24), Gulam Hussain Gorsi (43), Shabir Ahmad Deedar,  (19), Talib Hussain Tinda (23), Gulzar Ahmad Deedar (30), and Mushtaq Ahmad Dedar (30)—all residents of Kulgam District.

The injured persons identified as Manzoor Ahmed S/O Bashir Ahmed Denda 20, Talib Hussain S/O Ab Gani Denda 23 both from Kulgam; Aslam S/O Ismail Deeded 24 from Anantnag and other injured are currently under treatment at the Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital (IGMCH).