7 die as landslide hits vehicles in Kishtwar

Doda, August 20

Seven pilgrims, including a five-year-old girl, were killed and 12 others injured when a landslide along with heavy boulders hit their vehicles in the Kuligad area of Kishtwar district on Monday.

The incident occurred around 10.50 am when huge boulders and debris suddenly came down a hillock, trapping a minibus and a car plying on the 110-km Batote-Doda-Kishtwar road. The vehicles were heading for Paddar to join the ongoing Machail yatra. The seven deceased included three members of a family while another member was injured. The deceased were identified as Constable Kewal Kumar, his wife Vandana Mathur and daughter Askanta, all residents of Kewa, Udhampur. Their son Vasu (10) was injured and shifted to Udhampur. The other persons killed in the mishap were identified as Santosha Devi of Bhaderwah and Amar Nath of Basantghar, Udhampur. However, the remaining two victims are yet to be identified.

Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Angrez Singh Rana said, “We have announced ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for disability above 60 per cent and Rs 59,000 to persons who received 40 to 60 per cent injuries.” — OC

Guv expresses grief over loss of lives

Srinagar: Governor NN Vohra expressed grief over the loss of lives in a landslide in Kishtwar district. The Governor has prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families. He has wished speedy recovery to those injured in the accident. TNS