11 Injured in Matador Collision Near Nashri Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway
Batote, 02 May 2025: At least eleven people sustained injuries in a road accident that occurred on Friday, May 2, 2025, in the vicinity of the Nashri Tunnel along the crucial Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH44).
The incident involved a collision between a passenger vehicle, described as a “matador” (a type of mini-bus commonly used for public transport in the region), and another vehicle. The circumstances leading to the collision are currently under investigation. The matador involved in the accident was bearing the registration number JK14A-3125.
The accident took place in the Batote area, which falls within the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir. This section of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is a vital lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. The highway is known for its challenging terrain, with mountainous roads, sharp curves, and varying weather conditions, which can sometimes contribute to accidents. The Nashri Tunnel, a significant engineering feat on this highway, is designed to improve connectivity and reduce travel time, but the areas surrounding it still require careful navigation.
Following the collision, a swift response was initiated to provide medical assistance to the injured. All eleven injured individuals were promptly transported to the Batote hospital for treatment.
The Block Medical Officer (BMO), Health and Family Welfare, Batote, issued a list identifying the injured individuals. The injured are:
- Ruma Devi, 50, Wife of Omkar Singh, resident of Karmail.
- Koshliya Devi, 60, Wife of Sansar Chand, resident of Thopal.
- Anwar Hussain, 33, Son of Manzoor Hussain, resident of Ward No. 5, Batote.
- Kastoori Devi, 55, Wife of Kartar Singh, resident of Karmail.
- Beena Devi, 35, Wife of Surjeet Singh, resident of Karmail.
- Sham Devi, 70, Wife of Mulkhi Ram, resident of Thopal.
- Amni Devi, 40, Wife of Shan Singh, resident of Karmail.
- Mohd Amin, 30, Son of Mohd Deen, resident of Sana.
- Mushtaq Ahmad, 30, Son of Mehandia, resident of Dhantal.
- Tayab Ali, 25, Son of Jamat Ali, resident of Kunfar Chanderkote.
- Alf Din, 32, Son of Habib Ullah, resident of Rakhjarog.
The injuries sustained by the individuals are reported to vary in severity. Medical personnel at Batote hospital are providing necessary care and monitoring their condition.
Local police have taken cognizance of the incident. An investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the collision, including factors such as the condition of the vehicles, driver error, road conditions, and any other relevant circumstances. Authorities are also working to manage traffic flow in the area, which may have been temporarily disrupted due to the accident.
This accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety, especially on highways like the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, where challenging terrain and high traffic volume require extra caution. Drivers are urged to adhere to traffic rules, maintain safe speeds, and be vigilant to prevent such incidents.