SRINAGAR, December 14 – In a Kishtwar Landslide Tragedy incident that has sent shockwaves through the Chenab Valley region, seven passengers narrowly escaped death when their Cruiser vehicle was brutally struck by a massive landslide at the treacherous Sigdi Balana stretch in Kishtwar district this morning.
The tragedy unfolded around 9:30 AM when the passenger vehicle, travelling from Kishtwar towards Thathri, was suddenly ambushed by falling rocks and debris from the mountainside—a chilling reminder of the perpetual danger that looms over the strategically vital Kishtwar-Thathri National Highway.
LOCAL EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS
A local shopkeeper Mohammad Abbas from Sigdi Balana described the scene as “heart-stopping.”
“We heard a thunderous roar followed by screams. The entire mountainside seemed to collapse onto the road. Within seconds, the Cruiser was buried under tons of mud and rocks. Local youth immediately rushed with shovels and bare hands to pull out the trapped passengers,” said Abbas, his voice trembling with emotion.
HEALTHCARE RESPONSE
All seven injured were swiftly evacuated to District Hospital Kishtwar, where medical officials confirmed: “We have received seven patients with multiple injuries, primarily fractures and head trauma. While four are in stable condition, three require close monitoring in our emergency observation unit.”
THE DANGEROUS STRETCH
The Sigdi Balana area has long been a nightmare for commuters and local authorities. Known among drivers as “Death Corridor,” this 3-kilometer stretch has witnessed over 15 major landslides in the past year alone, claiming 8 lives and injuring more than 30 people.
OFFICIAL RESPONSE
Kishtwar police officials confirmed: “Our teams reached within 30 minutes of the incident. The highway has been completely blocked, and we’ve deployed JCB machines to clear the debris. Traffic has been diverted through the alternative Mughal Road route.”
LOCAL OUTCRY
The incident has reignited anger among local residents who have been demanding permanent solutions for the dangerous highway. “Every rainy season brings new tragedies. We’ve been pleading for proper tunnel construction or reinforced walls for years, but our pleas fall on deaf ears,” said a local community leader from nearby Palmar village.
BACKGROUND: KISHTWAR’S GEOGRAPHICAL CHALLENGE
Kishtwar district, nestled in the rugged terrains of the Chenab Valley, faces some of the most challenging geographical conditions in Jammu & Kashmir. The district records the highest number of landslide-related incidents in the region during monsoon and winter seasons.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY:
·
· Commuters advised to use Mughal Road alternative route
· Emergency vehicles permitted with caution
FOR FAMILIES:
Relatives of passengers can contact Kishtwar Control Room for updates.
This is a developing story. More details are expected throughout the day.