Scores feared dead as minibus falls into Chenab in Ramban

Nine persons were feared dead after a Tempo Traveller rolled down into the Chenab in the Mehar area of Ramban district this evening.

According to the police, the driver of the Tempo, which was on its way to Ramban from Udhampur, lost his control over the vehicle, resulting in its fall in the river.

“The lone survivor in the mishap said they were just 1 km short of Ramban town when the accident took place around 4.30 pm,” a police official said.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban Nazim Zai Khan said the vehicle was swept away in the strong currents of the river. They had launched the rescue operation, but the water level in the Chenab was quite high due to the rainy season.

“We have requisitioned the Army divers from Udhampur and Jammu. They will launch search operation tomorrow morning to retrieve the missing vehicle although the chances of finding any survivors seem bleak,” Khan added.

Haseeb-ur-Rehman, SSP, Ramban, said they had called off the rescue operation launched by the civil quick response team (QRT) and police personnel due to the inclement weather and it would be resumed tomorrow with the help of the Army divers.