One Tourist Killed, Several Injured After Vehicle Falls Into Gorge Near Pahalgam

Pahalgam, May 16 : One tourist was killed while several others, including the driver, sustained injuries after a Tavera vehicle bearing registration number JK21A-0379 skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge on the Pahalgam-Aru route in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Saturday.

Officials said the vehicle was being driven by Rayees Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, a resident of Rangward Laripora. The accident occurred while the vehicle was travelling from Pahalgam towards Aru.

The deceased tourist has been identified as Bawin Bhavsar, son of Mahesh Bhavsar, a resident of Gujarat, who was brought dead to Sub-District Hospital Pahalgam.

The injured have been identified as Awni Bhavsar, wife of Bawin Bhavsar, Naina Ben, wife of Ashok Bhai, and Ashok Bhai, all residents of Gujarat. Officials said the injured are undergoing treatment and are being referred for advanced medical care.

The driver of the vehicle also sustained injuries and has been referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for treatment.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident, while further investigation is underway.(KNC)