At least 21 people have died and several others injured after a passenger bus skidded off the road and fell into a gorge on Monday in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Police officials here said that a bus ferrying passengers, on its way from Ramnagar towards Udhampur met with an accident and plunged into a gorge near Village Khagote.
Senior police officials including Deputy Inspector General of J&K Police, Shiv Kumar Sharma, locals and Army troops rushed to the spot and launched the rescue operation.
Officials said that 20 passengers have been confirmed dead.
However, injured have been shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Udhampur while one of the critical has been airlifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu for an advanced treatment.
“There is a very sharp curve at the spot and the driver may have lost control while negotiating the curve,” said a senior police officer.
He said that the vehicle rolled down into the gorge after hitting the parapet.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.
Meanwhile, PM Modi, in a post on X, expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.
“Pained to hear about the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he posted.
An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the tragic mishap. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000, said PM Modi.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that rescue and evacuation operations are underway with teams from Police, SDRF and district administration on site.
“21 casualties so far and 61 injured. Injured have been shifted to Udhampur Hospital while the one more seriously injured is being airlifted to Government Medical college Jammu. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families. All possible assistance is being provided. My office is in constant touch,” Dr Singh posted on X.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also expressed his deep anguish and grief over the loss of lives in the tragic road accident in Ramnagar, Udhampur.
In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor has said: “Tragic road accident in Udhampur is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May God grant them strength. Praying for speedy recovery of the injured. I have directed the district administration, Police, SDRF and Health Department to provide every possible assistance to those affected.”
Meanwhile Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident involving a passenger bus travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur.
In a message of condolence, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.
He assured that the government stands firmly with the victims and their families in this hour of grief, and that all necessary assistance is being extended to ensure proper medical care and support to the affected.
The Chief Minister’s Office is in constant touch with Government Medical College Udhampur, where the injured are receiving treatment and necessary medical care.
Meanwhile, the district administration has been directed to expedite rescue operations. Instructions have also been issued to the Minister for Health and Medical Education and the Minister for Transport to ensure all required assistance.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said, “In this hour of grief, my condolences are with all the bereaved families who lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
