Four Killed in Triple-Vehicle Crash on Jammu–Srinagar Highway Near Udhampur
By: Javid Amin | 27 January 2026
At least four people, including a CRPF jawan, were killed in a multi-vehicle collision involving a bus, a four-wheeler and a motorcycle on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway in Udhampur district on Tuesday, triggering fresh concerns over road safety on the Valley’s lifeline highway.
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At least four people lost their lives in a tragic multi-vehicle accident on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) near Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur district on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, officials said.
The collision, which occurred late in the morning, involved a passenger bus, a four-wheeler, and a motorcycle. According to police, the bus reportedly lost control and rammed into the motorcycle before hitting a stationary load carrier, leading to a chain collision that proved fatal for four individuals on the spot.
Among the deceased was a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, while the remaining victims were civilians. Their identities were being verified at the time of filing this report, officials said.
Police and emergency response teams rushed to the scene immediately after the accident. Traffic on the busy highway was temporarily disrupted as rescue operations were launched and the damaged vehicles were removed to restore movement.
Several others sustained injuries in the crash and were shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC), Udhampur, where doctors said some of them were undergoing treatment for serious injuries.
“A case has been registered and investigations are underway to ascertain the exact cause of the accident,” a police official said, adding that preliminary findings point to loss of control and possible overspeeding.
Recurring Safety Concerns on NH-44
The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway is the primary road link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country and witnesses heavy movement of passenger vehicles, trucks, and security convoys daily.
The stretch is known for frequent accidents due to a combination of factors, including sharp curves, congestion, landslide-prone zones, poor visibility during winter months, and instances of reckless driving.
The latest incident comes just days after a tragic accident in Doda district on January 22, in which ten Army personnel were killed when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge, further underscoring the dangers associated with mountainous highways in the region.
Calls for Stronger Safety Measures
In the wake of Tuesday’s crash, locals and road safety advocates renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, better monitoring of heavy vehicles, and improvements in highway infrastructure.
Experts have repeatedly stressed the need for:
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Improved road signage and lighting
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Speed-monitoring systems on accident-prone stretches
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Regular fitness checks for commercial vehicles
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Faster emergency medical response along the highway
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, especially during winter, when road conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
