Assistant Professor Killed, Husband Critically Injured in Road Accident on Jammu–Poonch Highway
Poonch, March 26, KNT: An Assistant Professor from the Zoology Department of Government Degree College Poonch was killed in a road accident on Thursday at Kallar along the Jammu–Poonch National Highway, while her husband sustained critical injuries, officials said.
The deceased has been identified as Dr Tabassum Naz. She was travelling in a Maruti Swift car with her husband, Muhammad Haamid, when the vehicle met with an accident on the highway, triggering panic in the area.
The incident highlights growing concerns over road safety on the Jammu–Poonch stretch, which has witnessed multiple accidents in recent months due to sharp turns, traffic pressure and alleged overspeeding, according to officials and local residents.
Officials said that the accident occurred at Kallar, a stretch considered accident-prone. Soon after the incident, locals and police rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.
Dr Tabassum Naz sustained critical injuries and was declared dead, officials said. Her husband Muhammad Haamid, who was driving the vehicle, suffered severe injuries in the crash.
“He was shifted to Government Medical College Rajouri for advanced treatment where his condition is stated to be critical,” an official said.
Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated proceedings to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the vehicle may have lost control, though the exact circumstances are under investigation.
The death of Dr Tabassum Naz has sent shockwaves across academic circles in Poonch, where she was known for her work in the Zoology Department and her engagement with students.
Locals expressed grief over the incident, with many calling for urgent safety measures on the highway. “This stretch has become dangerous. Accidents keep happening, but no permanent solution is in place,” a local resident said.
The Jammu–Poonch National Highway serves as a vital link connecting border districts with the Jammu region and witnesses heavy vehicular movement, often increasing the risk of accidents, particularly in narrow and curved sections. [KNT]
