Tragic Collision in Budgam Claims 4 Lives, Leaves 5 Injured
Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir – A devastating road accident in Budgam district left four dead and five injured after a Tata Sumo collided head-on with a speeding truck near the Nowgam bypass early Tuesday morning. The crash has sparked urgent calls for improved road safety measures in the region.
Details of the Accident
Eyewitnesses reported that the Tata Sumo, carrying nine passengers, was traveling from Budgam to Srinagar when it veered into the opposite lane around 7:30 AM, crashing into an oncoming truck. The impact crushed the Sumo, requiring emergency teams to cut through the wreckage to rescue survivors.
Police confirmed four fatalities—two women and two men—identified as Abdul Rashid (35), Shameema Begum (28), Farooq Ahmad (42), and Rukhsana Akhter (24). The injured were rushed to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, where they remain under treatment.
Eyewitnesses & Rescue Efforts
Mohammad Yusuf, a local shopkeeper, described the scene: “The Sumo was speeding, then suddenly swerved. The truck couldn’t stop in time—it was horrific.” Residents and police worked together to free trapped passengers, with SSP Budgam Al-Tahir Geelani confirming an ongoing investigation.
Road Safety Crisis in Jammu & Kashmir
The Nowgam bypass has seen repeated accidents due to speeding, poor visibility, and lack of speed breakers. Activists blame lax enforcement and overloaded vehicles for the rising death toll. “Drivers ignore rules, and roads are deadly. Authorities must act now,” said road safety expert Arif Malik.
Government Response & Compensation
J&K LG Manoj Sinha announced ₹5 lakh ex-gratia for each victim’s family and ordered top-tier medical care for the injured. Budgam DC Shahbaz Mirza vowed a thorough probe into potential causes, including driver error or road defects.
Community Outcry & Demands for Action
Grieving families demanded stricter traffic policing and infrastructure upgrades. “My sister was just 24—lost to negligence. How many more will die?” cried Asif Ahmed, brother of victim Rukhsana Akhter.
Next Steps: Will J&K Improve Road Safety?
The Transport Department plans speed cameras and surprise checks, but locals insist on long-term fixes like wider roads and better driver training. This tragedy underscores India’s road safety crisis, where preventable accidents claim thousands annually.
Budgam mourns as investigations continue. Follow updates for further developments.
