Srinagar, April 2, KNT: A man died after the van he was driving rammed into roadside shops at Budshah Chowk in central Srinagar on Thursday, with preliminary findings suggesting that the driver suffered a medical emergency before the crash, officials said.
The vehicle, a school van bearing registration number JK01L-9171, lost control and collided with shopfronts, damaging shutters and parts of the structures in the busy commercial area.
According to officials, the driver is believed to have fallen unconscious while driving, leading to the accident.
The driver has been identified as Javaid Ahmed, a resident of Bemina in Srinagar. He was alone in the vehicle at the time of the accident, and no school children were on board.
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He sustained injuries in the collision and was shifted to a hospital, where he later succumbed.
Officials said preliminary medical assessment indicates that the cause of death was cardio-pulmonary arrest.
“There is a possibility that the driver had an underlying medical condition. He appears to have fallen unconscious before the accident,” an official said.
They added that there was no evidence so far of over speeding or rash driving in the incident.
Police have taken cognizance of the matter and further investigation is underway to ascertain all circumstances, including medical factors linked to the case.
Eyewitnesses said the crash caused panic in the market area as the vehicle struck shops, leading to visible damage to shutters and nearby structures. [KNT]
