Avalanche hits Dodain J&K, blocks key highways
Bhaderwah/Jammu, Feb 15: An avalanche blocked the Bhaderwah-Pathankot inter-state road in Doda district of the Union Territory on Sunday, leaving dozens of vehicles stranded, a police officer said. Bhaderwah Superintendent of Police Bhaderwah Vinod Sharma said the avalanche struck between Thanthera and Guldanda, around 18 kms from Bhaderwah town, around 5 pm. No casualties were reported. Guldanda is a famous winter destination in the Jammu region, and over 250 vehicles carrying tourists had crossed the area when the avalanche occurred, he said. He said a few dozen vehicles belonging to local vendors have been stuck. Men and machinery have been pressed to clear the road. The highway connecting Bhaderwah with Basholi in Kathua was reopened for traffic earlier in the day by the Border Roads Organisation after the successful completion of a snow clearance operation that lasted more than two weeks. The SP said the road is likely to be thrown open for traffic by 9 pm. (PTI)
Minor sexually assaulted in Bihar, one arrested
Lakhisarai, Feb 15: An eight-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district on Sunday, police said. The 45-year-old accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by her family members, they said. SP Avdhesh Dixit said the incident occurred in the morning in the Medni Chowk locality. “The girl’s family stated that she had gone to pluck flowers near her house when the accused forcefully took her to an isolated spot and sexually assaulted her,” Dixit told reporters. The matter came to light after the girl returned home and narrated the ordeal to her parents, who subsequently approached the police. “Based on the family’s statement, a case was registered and the accused was apprehended. The minor is currently undergoing a medical examination, and a further probe is underway,” Dixit added. (PTI)
Thane truck accident: 1 injured, 13 vehicles damaged
THANE, Feb 16: In Thane, Maharashtra, a container truck lost control on the busy Ghodbunder Road in Gaimukh around 4:30 pm on Sunday, resulting in one person being injured and 13 vehicles damaged, including cars and autorickshaws, officials said. The truck driver fled the scene, triggering a police search to locate him. The injured person was immediately hospitalized for treatment. The accident caused significant traffic disruption, which was cleared by civic and traffic authorities by around 5:20 pm. Yasin Tadvi, Chief of the Disaster Management Cell of Thane Municipal Corporation, confirmed the extent of the damage and said authorities are taking steps to track down the absconding driver. Witnesses have been urged to provide any information that could aid the investigation. The incident underscores road safety concerns in Thane, particularly involving heavy vehicles on busy urban roads, and highlights the need for stricter monitoring and preventive measures. (PTI)
