Handwara, Jul 30: In a road accident, a government school teacher lost his life while 49 passengers sustained injuries after a bus turned turtle in the Behnipora area of Handwara in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Wednesday.
Official sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the deceased, identified as Irshad Ahmad Lone, a resident of Bakihakar village, was hit moments after he alighted from a passenger bus coming from Sarmarg towards Handwara. As he stepped down near Behnipora, another bus travelling from Rajwar to Handwara reportedly lost control while maneuvering to make way for the first vehicle. The second bus overturned and struck Lone fatally.
The bus that turned turtle was carrying 49 passengers, including the driver. The impact of the accident left all the passengers on board injured. Officials confirmed that 34 of the injured passengers were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara, while 15 others were taken to PHC Zachildara for immediate medical assistance.
Irshad Ahmad Lone, the lone fatality in the accident, was posted as a teacher at Government Middle School Golpora. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the local teaching fraternity and his native village, where he was known for his dedication and gentle demeanor.
The incident drew a condolence message from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of life and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured. “I am deeply grieved by the tragic road accident in Handwara. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Irshad Ahmad Lone who lost his life. I pray for the early recovery of those injured in this accident,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Police have taken cognizance of the incident and registered a case under relevant sections of law. [KNT]
