At least 21 people were killed and 60 others injured after a passenger bus rolled down a hill in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur on Monday, officials said.
The accident occurred around 10 am near Kagort village when the bus was negotiating a blind curve. The vehicle was on its way to Udhampur.
Local residents rushed to the spot and initiated rescue efforts, pulling out the injured from the mangled remains. Police and emergency personnel later joined the operation to evacuate victims and clear the site.
Officials earlier said 20 injured people have been rescued and shifted to GMC Udhampur. The critically injured are being referred to GMC Jammu for specialised treatment.
The condition of several of the injured was reported to be serious.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed pain over the incident and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
"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. 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," Modi said in a post on X.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep sorrow over the accident.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, affirming that the government stands firmly with the victims and their families and is extending all necessary assistance.
Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh spoke to Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Minga Sherpa, and said arrangements were being made to airlift the critically injured.
“Just now spoke to DC Udhampur, Minga Sherpa after learning about a tragic road accident, less than an hour ago, at village Kanote, involving a public transport bus on way from Ramnagar to Udhampur.
“The rescue operation has been immediately undertaken. Heavy casualties are expected. All possible assistance is being provided. The injured will be shifted for medical aid. Arrangements being made to airlift the seriously injured,” the minister said in a post on X.
In a post on X, an official from the Lieutenant Governor’s office said: “The tragic road accident in Udhampur is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May God grant them strength. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have directed the district administration, police, SDRF and health department to provide every possible assistance to those affected.”