Sopore, Oct 21 (Times of Kashmir): A tragic accident near the Municipal toll point in north Kashmir’s Sopore has sparked outrage among residents, who are demanding urgent reforms to improve worker safety at toll posts and checkpoints across the region.
The deceased, Bilal Ahmad Wani (24), a resident of Saidpora Sopore, lost his life on Monday evening after being hit by a speeding truck while performing his duties at the toll point. His colleague, Shahid Hilal, also sustained serious injuries in the incident, officials told Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Bilal, who was set to get married in the coming months, was the sole breadwinner for his family, which includes his ailing father, mother, and younger brother. His devastated mother said, “He worked day and night to support us. Now our world has come crashing down.”
Locals blamed the tragedy on the lack of basic safety arrangements at toll posts in Sopore. They said most checkpoints operate without vital infrastructure such as warning signboards, reflective barricades, proper lighting, and enforced speed limits, exposing workers to fatal risks.
“This could have been avoided if the area had proper caution signs and lighting,” a local resident told KNO, demanding immediate installation of safety measures and a visible police presence during night shifts.
Residents have urged the administration to prioritize safety audits of all municipal and toll points across north Kashmir, ensuring proper enforcement of road safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered at Police Station Sopore, and investigations into the incident are currently underway, officials confirmed to KNO.
(For more local news and public safety updates, visit Times of Kashmir Local News Section)