Kulgam, Dec 13 (KNO): Two persons, including a government teacher, lost their lives after being trapped beneath an apple-laden container truck that overturned in the Pombai area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district, officials said.
An official told the news agency - Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that an AC container truck, bearing registration number JK03P-0505 and loaded with apples, overturned on a road in Pombai village. The truck had four occupants, two of whom managed to jump out immediately after the accident, while the other two were trapped beneath the vehicle.
Following the incident, a massive rescue operation was launched by the police, SDRF and locals amid harsh winter conditions.
After a two-hour-long effort, the trapped persons were rescued in critical condition. "Both succumbed to their injuries at the hospital," the official said, adding that two shops and an electricity transformer on the roadside were also damaged.
The deceased have been identified as Reyaz Ahmad Rather, a government teacher and Mukhtar Ahmad Itoo, both residents of Gopalpora, Kulgam, he said, adding that a case has been registered and further investigation into the incident is underway.
Meanwhile, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo visited Gopalpora, Kulgam to meet the families of the deceased.
The minister expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for heavenly abode for the departed souls. She assured the bereaved families of all possible support. (KNO)