CRPF Jawan Among Four Dead in NH-44 Accident Near Jakhani Chowk, Udhampur

Udhampur, Jan 27: At least four persons, including a CRPF jawan, and three civilians lost their lives in a tragic road accident on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) near Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur district on Tuesday, officials said.

An official told news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC) that the accident occurred around 11 am and involved a passenger bus, an off-road vehicle and a motorcycle.

Speaking to media persons while providing details, Kartar Singh, Second-in-Command, 137 Battalion CRPF as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC said that a civil bus hit a stationary off-road vehicle that was undergoing repairs on the roadside. The impact crushed the vehicle, killing a mechanic and its driver on the spot.

He said that due to the collision, two civilians fell through a broken window into a deep gorge. One of them was identified as a CRPF jawan of 52 Battalion who was on leave and travelling at the time of the incident. He also succumbed to injuries, taking the death toll to four.

CRPF and police personnel jointly carried out a rescue operation and retrieved the bodies, which were shifted to a nearby hospital for medico-legal formalities. The identity of one of the deceased is yet to be officially confirmed, officials added.

Further investigation into the incident is underway. (KNC)