| Udhampur: Tree falls on van, one dead | | |  Early Times Report
Udhampur, Sept 12: A tragic incident took place on Thursday evening at Kaldi, Udhampur, when a large pine (cheed) tree fell on a Maruti Omni van (registration number JK08 3504), killing one passenger on the spot and leaving the driver injured.
Eyewitnesses said the van was on its way to Upper Hansoo when the tree, weakened by continuous heavy rainfall in the area, came crashing down. Three people were inside the vehicle at the time of the mishap — the driver, a co-driver, and a rear passenger.
The driver sustained injuries and was rushed to GMC Udhampur for treatment, while the person in the front passenger seat escaped unhurt.
Sadly, the rear passenger, identified as Mulkh Raj, son of Sant Ram, resident of Upper Hansoo, Ward No. 4, Panchayat Kotli Bala, suffered fatal injuries and died instantly.
Local residents rushed to the scene after hearing the crash and assisted in rescuing the victims. Police and rescue teams later reached the spot, cleared the debris, and shifted the deceased’s body to GMC Udhampur for legal formalities.
Udhampur district has been experiencing heavy rainfall since few Days , leading to landslides and loosening of soil in hilly areas. Locals said the continuous rains had destabilized the slopes, which likely caused the tree to collapse.
Authorities have advised people to remain cautious while travelling through hilly roads during this spell of inclement weather. Rescue operations are still in progress, and officials are closely monitoring the situation. Further details are awaited. |
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