18 sheep, goats killed as school bus rams into herd in North Kashmir’s Tangmarg

Baramulla, Sept 28: A road accident in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district left around 18 sheep and goats dead after a speeding school bus ran over a herd near Kunzar on the Tangmarg road. The accident has pushed the affected pastoral family into despair, as the livestock were their only source of income.

According to locals, the herd was crossing the road when the bus, allegedly moving at high speed, lost control and rammed into the animals. The livestock died instantly, leaving the owner shocked and devastated. Police confirmed that a formal case has been registered and that the matter is under investigation.

The owner of the livestock, belonging to a poor pastoral family, expressed deep anguish over the loss, saying the incident had destroyed their livelihood. “These animals were our bread and butter. Losing them means we have no way left to survive,” the family said in an emotional appeal to authorities, urging financial assistance and strict action against reckless driving.

Locals present at the site said that overspeeding has become a recurring menace on the Kunzar–Tangmarg and Gulmarg stretches. They noted that despite traffic police conducting awareness drives, many drivers continue to flout traffic rules, creating constant danger on the roads. “Every day we see vehicles being driven carelessly. Unless rules are enforced properly, accidents like this will keep repeating,” said a local.

Authorities are expected to assess the family’s loss and consider appropriate relief measures in the coming days. Meanwhile, traffic police have reiterated their appeal to drivers to strictly follow speed limits, especially in areas where locals and their livestock frequently cross the road. [KNT]