Kulgam families mourn loss of 2 children in accident

Kulgam, Oct 13: What started as a joyful holiday quickly turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for the families of two young schoolchildren.

On Sunday morning, Muntaha Ajaz, 13, and her 4-year-old cousin, Aman Sahab, both from Damhal-Hanjipora, set out for their family orchard, eager to enjoy their weekend.

Along the way, they stopped at a local grocery shop, buying candies and snacks, smiling and excited for the day ahead.

Muntaha held little Aman’s hand as they walked together.

But just a few meters down the road, a speeding dumper truck struck them, leaving both children lying in a pool of blood.

Horrified locals, who witnessed the tragic accident, rushed to their aid and took them to the hospital.

Tragically, it was too late – both children had already succumbed to their injuries.

What was meant to be a day of happiness turned into one of unimaginable sorrow for their families and the entire village.

“Oh, our children, come back from the orchard, we are waiting for you,” the heart-wrenching cries of the mothers, who are sisters, could be heard echoing through the village.

The tragedy has left the families shattered.

The entire village is engulfed in mourning.

Every eye is moist with tears as villagers, who were working in the orchards and paddy fields, left their work halfway to visit the homes of Ajaz Ahmad Wani and Ajaz Hella, offering their condolences. “It feels like it is doomsday in our village,” said Ghulam Muhammad, an elderly resident who witnessed the accident.

He said that the children were walking safely along the side of the road, not in the middle.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene after hitting the children. However, the Police have since taken cognisance of the incident, registered a case, and apprehended the driver.

This tragic incident has left the village in shock and sorrow, mourning the loss of two lives.