Five Killed After Scorpio Plunges Into Deep Gorge in J&K’s Kishtwar

August 15, 2026

Jammu: At least five people were killed on Saturday after a Scorpio vehicle rolled down into a deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, officials said.

The accident took place at around 10.30 a.m. in the Dachhan area of Kishtwar. The vehicle, bearing registration number HR29AG-0648, reportedly rolled down into a deep gorge at Yaivan near Tender Nallah.

Spoke to DC #Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma, after receiving the report of a road accident in the Dachhan area, involving a Scorpio vehicle which rolled down into a deep gorge at Yaivan.

Unfortunately, all the 5 passengers travelling in the vehicle lost their lives on the…

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 15, 2026

All five people travelling in the vehicle died at the spot. Officials have not yet disclosed the identities of the deceased.

Dr Jitendra Singh Expresses Condolences

Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, said he spoke to Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving information about the accident.

In a post on X, Singh said the Scorpio had rolled into a deep gorge at Yaivan and that all five passengers had lost their lives.

He expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the accident.

Hilly Districts Witness Frequent Road Accidents

The hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Ramban and Udhampur have witnessed several fatal road accidents.

Officials and road safety experts have attributed accidents in the region to factors including poor road conditions, over-speeding, overloading and rash or negligent driving.

The Traffic Department has deployed special teams to check traffic violations, while Regional Transport Offices in Jammu and the Valley regularly conduct enforcement drives.

Authorities have also warned against driving by minors, driving without valid licences and stunt biking. Penalties can include fines, cancellation of vehicle registration and driving licences, depending on the violation.