Budgam, Nov 16: Newly elected MLA Budgam Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi spent the entire night at SMHS Hospital Srinagar following the road accident at Waterwani, which left four people dead and seven others injured on Saturday evening, told hospital sources. The MLA personally reviewed the treatment being provided to the injured, interacted with medical teams and made it clear that no negligence or delay will be tolerated at any stage of care.
Officials said the accident occurred after a collision between a dumper and a Sumo vehicle, resulting in critical injuries to 11 passengers, four of whom succumbed shortly after the crash. The remaining injured were shifted to SMHS Hospital, while one continues to receive treatment at the District Hospital Budgam.
Locals from Mahwara village, the native place of all but one of the victims, described the incident as the “darkest evening the village has seen in years.”
Authorities confirmed the identities of the deceased as 10-year-old Zainab, daughter of Nisar Ahmad Rather; Nisar Ahmad Rather, son of Ghulam Ahmad Rather, aged 40; Bashir Ahmad Rather, son of Mohammad Qasim Rather, aged 36; and Khatoon, wife of Ghulam Hussain Rather, aged 60. Two of the deceased belonged to the same family.
The injured who were evacuated to medical facilities include 70-year-old Zoona Bano, 50-year-old Shah, 50-year-old Gulshan, 25-year-old Tasaduq Hussain, and 48-year-old Raja, all residents of Mahwara. Safiya, aged 40, is under treatment at District Hospital Budgam, while Jasbeer Singh, conductor of a hydraulic crane and a resident of Gurdaspur Punjab, also sustained injuries.
MLA Muntazir, while speaking at the hospital, said the administration must ensure that all necessary medical support is provided without interruption. “The families are shattered. It is our responsibility to stand with them and ensure the best possible care for the injured,” he said. [KNT]
