JCB operator killed as machine falls into gorge in Ukhral

Ramban, Dec 11: A JCB operator on Thursday died on the spot while his helper sustained injuries after their machine skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge at Mundhkal nullah, where construction work on a new road from Kote to Chafkani was underway.

According to police, the incident occurred around 3 pm on Thursday when the JCB (registration number JK19A-0325) allegedly slipped due to the operator’s negligence and rolled nearly 150 feet down into the gorge.

The deceased operator has been identified as Mohammad Usman, son of Abdul Latief, a resident of Chafkani Maligam, Tehsil Pogal Paristan, district Ramban.

The injured helper, Touseef Ahmed, son of Abdul Rasheed Shan of Gaggarnag Neel, was initially rushed to PHC Ukhral and later referred to District Hospital Ramban for further treatment.

Usman’s body has been shifted to PHC Ukhral for post-mortem examination.

SSP Ramban Arun Gupta confirmed the incident and said that the Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Police Station Ramsu, and further investigation was underway.