Back-To-Back Road Tragedies Spark Concern Over Reckless Driving

Srinagar: Srinagar has been left shaken after two fatal accidents within 48 hours claimed three lives and left several others injured, rekindling concerns over reckless driving, disregard for traffic rules, and the growing menace of mobile phone use at the wheel.

- Syed Mohammad Burhan

The first tragedy struck Rainawari on Wednesday afternoon when 14-year-old schoolgirl, Madiha Farooq Bhat, daughter of Farooq Ahmad Bhat of Gurpora, was killed in the Jogi Lanker locality. Witnesses said an Eco van (registration number DLCAS 1744) lost control and rammed into pedestrians walking along the roadside. Madiha was critically injured in the crash and succumbed to her injuries shortly after being shifted to JLNM Hospital. Five others, including children and women, were injured in the incident, with two reported to be in critical condition.

The grief in Rainawari was overwhelming as Madiha’s body was brought home later in the evening. Relatives, classmates, and neighbours gathered in large numbers, with heartrending scenes unfolding.