Driver killed as truck plunges into gorge on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway

Srinagar, Oct 19: A tragic road accident occurred at Khoni Nallah along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway today, resulting in the on spot death of a truck driver while his helper narrowly escaped.The truck, reportedly enroute from Jammu to Srinagar, veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near Khoni Nallah.News agency KINS reported that the driver was killed on the spot.His body was retrieved and shifted to Ramban Hospital for further proceedings and identification.According to eyewitnesses, the truck lost control at a treacherous curve before skidding off the highway.“The driver seemed to have lost control , and the truck just skidded off the road into the gorge. It all happened in seconds,” said a local who witnessed the accident.The helper, who was traveling with the driver, miraculously survived by jumping from the truck moments before it fell.“I saw the truck losing control, and I jumped out just in time,” he recounted, visibly shaken by the ordeal. The official confirmation is still awaited.Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, notorious for frequent road accidents, has long been a cause of concern for commuters and authorities alike.“Every other day, we hear about accidents on this highway. Something needs to be done about it,” commented a frustrated commuter at the scene.