Frequent accidents on Lawaypora-HMT stretch raise road safety concerns

Srinagar, Dec 12: Frequent accidents on the Lawaypora-HMT stretch have raised serious concerns about road safety and traffic regulation on the busy route.

A road accident at Lawaypora on Friday evening adds to the numerous accidents on the route connecting Srinagar with north Kashmir.

Locals term the route as Srinagar’s “most accident-prone corridors.” Witnesses said a small four-wheeler collided with a bus, causing the vehicle to vault over the road divider before getting lodged on an iron grill. Multiple videos of the crash surfaced on social media, showing the badly damaged car and chaotic scenes as bystanders rushed to help.

Witnesses said the occupants of the four-wheeler included elders and children, and that it appeared to be a family travelling together. “The vehicle flew several metres, and it was a horrific scene. People immediately ran to rescue the passengers out,” said a witness. He added that despite the impact's intensity, “there were no major injuries visible at that moment,” though the condition of all occupants was yet to be officially confirmed.

A police official told Greater Kashmir that preliminary reports indicated a collision between “a bus and a small four-wheeler” and that teams had been dispatched to the spot soon after the incident occurred. “We are gathering further details. The investigation is in the initial stage,” the official said.

Locals said the crash once again highlighted the dangers of the stretch, which they claim has witnessed numerous fatal accidents over the past few years, including cases involving teenagers. “This road has become a death trap. Speeding is common and there is hardly any strict enforcement. Authorities must deploy more traffic personnel and impose stricter speed limits,” said a commuter who frequently travels the route.

Commuters said that some drivers drive on the wrong side in the absence of action by traffic cops, and this is a major reason for accidents on the route.