Seven Injured, Including Five CRPF Personnel, in Highway Collision in Kashmir
At least seven persons, including five Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, were injured on Tuesday in a head-on collision between a truck and a paramilitary mini-truck on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The accident took place at Levdora in the Qazigund area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district, officials said.
The CRPF vehicle and the civilian truck collided under circumstances that are yet to be officially detailed. Among the injured were four CRPF officers and one other personnel, along with the truck's driver and conductor. All seven were promptly taken to a nearby hospital, where their conditions have been reported as stable.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, also known as NH-44, is the principal road link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. It winds through mountainous terrain and is widely used by both civilian vehicles and security force convoys. Road accidents on this stretch have been a recurring concern, particularly during peak tourist season and inclement weather, though the precise cause of Tuesday's incident is still under investigation.
Officials at the scene said that both vehicles suffered significant damage, and traffic on the highway was briefly disrupted as rescue teams worked to clear the area. The injured were initially treated at a primary health centre before being referred to a district hospital for further observation. Authorities have urged people to exercise caution on the route, especially near sharp curves and narrow stretches like Qazigund.
The CRPF is a central armed police force deployed extensively in Jammu and Kashmir for internal security and counter-insurgency operations. Its personnel are frequently on the move along the highway, frequently in convoys of small vehicles. The fact that this incident occurred during a routine movement highlights the everyday risks faced by security forces, even in the absence of active militant activity.
Local residents and transport operators have repeatedly called for improved road safety measures on the highway, including better signage, guardrails, and speed enforcement. This latest collision adds to a long list of accidents on the route, which has seen a steady flow of passenger and cargo traffic despite its challenging terrain. While some accidents are attributed to driver fatigue or overspeeding, others stem from poor visibility and road conditions.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that a case has been registered and an investigation is underway. He added that the cause of the collision, whether due to excessive speed, a mechanical failure, or a lapse in judgement, will be determined after a thorough probe. The officer also said that the condition of all injured persons is out of danger and they are responding well to treatment.
The incident has again raised questions about the safety of security force vehicles on the highway, which have been involved in several accidents in the past. In July last year, a vehicle carrying CRPF personnel skidded off the road near Banihal, causing serious injuries. Such incidents are often overshadowed by security concerns but are equally significant for the well-being of the personnel who risk their lives in operational duties.
As the investigation continues, officials have assured that all necessary assistance is being provided to the injured and their families. The highway was restored to normal traffic within a few hours of the accident. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for sustained investment in road infrastructure and safety protocols, both for the general public and for the forces deployed in the region.
