A very tragic accident has been reported from the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Late Thursday night, a large rock suddenly fell from a hillside onto a moving car in the Salukh Ikhtar Nala area of Reasi. In this accident, Rajinder Singh Rana, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Ramnagar, and his son died on the spot. At the same time, three other people, including Rana's wife, were seriously injured. As soon as the news of the accident spread, a wave of mourning swept through the area, and deep sorrow gripped the administrative department as well.
Accident Happened While Returning from Dharmari
According to the police, SDM Rana was returning to his native village, Pattiyan, with his family from Dharmari. On the way, near Salukh Ikhtar Nala, a sudden landslide occurred, and a heavy rock fell directly onto their vehicle from the hillside. The collision was so severe that the car was badly damaged, and Rana and his son died on the spot.
As soon as information about the accident was received, the local administration and rescue teams reached the spot. Since the area is completely hilly, it took some time for the ambulance to arrive. The injured were immediately taken to the nearest health center for first aid, after which they were referred to the District Hospital Reasi.
Statement of the Medical Team
Dr. Gopal Dutt, Medical Superintendent of Reasi District Hospital, said that he was alerted by the CMO office as soon as he received information about the accident. He said that although it took a while for the ambulance to arrive due to the difficult terrain, the injured were brought to the hospital in time and their treatment was started.
Wave of Mourning in the Administrative Department
SDM Rajinder Singh Rana was a 2011 batch officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service and was currently posted in Ramnagar. He was very popular among the general public for his behaviour, simplicity, and dedication to work. His untimely death has put not only the administrative staff but also the local people in deep shock. Fellow officers and employees remembered him as a responsible and sensitive officer.
Lieutenant Governor Expressed Grief
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed deep sorrow over this tragic accident. Expressing condolences through social media, he said that the sudden death of SDM Rajinder Singh Rana and his son is extremely sad. He prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family.
Increasing Dangers in Hilly Areas
It is worth noting that a similar accident happened in eastern Ladakh just a few weeks ago, where two soldiers were killed when a rock fell on a military vehicle. Landslides and rockfalls are common in hilly areas, especially during the rainy season. In such a situation, it is necessary for both travelers and the administration to take extra precautions keeping the weather conditions in mind.
