3 members of family among 4 killed in Kishtwar accident

Ramban, Dec 6: In a heartbreaking incident, four pilgrims, including three members of a family, from the Dessa area of Doda district lost their lives after a private vehicle skidded off a link road and plunged into a deep gorge in Sarthal Gurash area in Kishtwar district on Saturday afternoon.

According to officials, the ill-fated light vehicle, bearing registration number DL5CE-5634, was enroute to Dessa from the Sarthal Devi temple when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to roll down into the gorge.

Three occupants died on the spot, while the fourth, who was critically injured, was shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The deceased were identified as Ranjeet Singh (37), son of Puran Chand; his minor daughter Asu; and Simran Thakur (21), daughter of Om Prakash—all residents of Thata, Dessa in Doda district. The fourth victim, Jyoti Devi (35), wife of Ranjeet Singh was rescued in critical condition but later declared dead at the hospital.

Sources said the victims were part of a group of around 30 pilgrims from Dessa who had set out to pay obeisance at Sarthal Mata temple.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh expressed grief over the incident on social media platform X, stating that he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, following the tragedy. “Saddened to learn about the tragic road accident on Sarthal road in which four occupants of the vehicle, hailing from Marmat area, unfortunately lost their life. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” he posted.

Authorities have initiated further investigation into the cause of the accident.