Chaos and confusion prevailed in various areas of the summer capital due to slippery conditions resulting in dozens of roads accidents.
The problem was compounded in absence of advisory on safe driving by the authorities
Due to sharp dip in overnight temperature, melting snow water froze on roads causing slippery conditions. On Sunday morning, dozens of vehicles collided with other cars and rammed into road-dividers at various uptown areas–causing minor injuries to many commuters. Most of the accident occurred on Ram Bagh flyover, Barzulla bridge, Hyderpora and other steep roads of Srinagar.
A motorist whose car skidded at the entry point of the Rambagh flyover said he had a narrow escape after his car lost control. “Due to slippery condition, I lost control of vehicle and couldn’t even apply brakes. Somehow my car slowed down and i had a narrow escape,” he said.
Amid slippery road conditions, two cars collided at Hyderpora flyover in which two persons were injured. “The cars were damaged with broken windowpanes and doors. An elderly person was bleeding profusely on his legs and was shifted to the hospital by pedestrians,” said Sajad Ahmad, a witness. He said despite the accident on the busy Hyderpora flyover, traffic cops weren’t present on the spot.
Meanwhile, locals said that in absence of an advisory from the administration, motorists are not slowing down on slippery roads. “I witnessed at least 10-12 accidents on the curve of Barzulla bridge in morning. Many speeding bikers, motorists hit the dividers and even many were injured and moved to nearby Bone and Joints Hospital for treatment,” said a Barzulla resident.
Another resident said with clear sky and sub-zero temperatures expected to prevail during next few days, authorities must ask coaching centres to change their early morning timings. “Most of victims are students and their parents travelling towards Parraypora for early morning tuitions. The authorities must ask these coaching centers to either change their timings for next few days or cancel their tuition classes,” said Gulzar Ahmad, another Barzulla resident.
SSP Traffic ( City) Tahir Gilani said in most of the cases motorists were driving at a fast speed resulting in accidents. “We are trying to create awareness among people to drive safely and slowdown in slippery conditions. People have to cooperate and ensure their safety and that of others,” said Gilani.