Tragic Bus Accident in Udhampur Claims 21 Lives and Leaves Many Injured
Devastating Incident in Udhampur District
On Monday, a heart-wrenching incident occurred in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. A private bus, traveling at high speed, lost control and plunged into a deep gorge in the Ramnagar area, resulting in the deaths of 21 passengers and leaving 29 others severely injured. The accident was so catastrophic that the upper part of the bus was completely torn off, turning the vehicle into a pile of debris. Authorities reported that the bus also collided with an auto-rickshaw, injuring those aboard the three-wheeler.
The tragic event took place around 10 AM at a sharp bend in the road when the bus driver lost control. A military convoy passing through the hilly route immediately initiated a rescue operation. Approximately 50 passengers were on board, most of whom were commuting from Ramnagar to Udhampur for their daily work.
Rescue Operations and Casualties
Officials indicated that the bus was severely damaged, complicating the rescue efforts due to the extensive wreckage. Shiv Kumar Sharma, the Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Udhampur-Reasi range, informed reporters at the scene, "The bus, en route from Ramnagar to Udhampur, lost control on the hilly road, rolled down the slope, and overturned on the road, also hitting an auto-rickshaw. Fifteen passengers were found dead at the site, while four others succumbed to their injuries later in the hospital."
Authorities later confirmed that two more individuals died while receiving treatment at the Udhampur district hospital, raising the death toll to 21. Sharma noted that local residents played a crucial role in the rescue efforts. A police team, including the Senior Superintendent of Police, the Ramnagar station officer, and other officials, collaborated with military personnel in the rescue operation. The vehicle was eventually righted with the help of a hydraulic crane.
Government Response and Condolences
The Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, and the Inspector General of Police for the Jammu zone, Bhim Sen, monitored the situation via phone. A soldier leading a military convoy reported witnessing the bus tumble down the hill and acted swiftly. He stated, "I was leading the convoy when the accident occurred. The vehicle fell from a height of about 100 meters. We immediately cordoned off the area and began the rescue operation, working hard to extract the passengers."
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences regarding the incident. President Murmu posted on social media, "I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of lives in the bus accident in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. I extend my sympathies to the families of the deceased and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured."
Prime Minister Modi also shared his sorrow on social media, stating, "I am deeply saddened to learn about the fatalities in the bus accident in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. I express my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones." He added, "I pray for the swift recovery of the injured. Each family of the deceased will receive a compensation of two lakh rupees from PMNRF, and the injured will receive fifty thousand rupees."
Local Leaders Express Sympathy
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described the tragic road accident in Udhampur as heart-wrenching. He expressed his deep sympathies to the grieving families and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured. Sinha instructed the district administration, police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and health department to provide all possible assistance to those affected.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured. Abdullah posted on social media, "The government stands firmly with the victims and their families during this time of grief and is providing all necessary assistance."
Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also expressed her sorrow over the incident. She stated on social media, "I am deeply saddened by the Udhampur-Ramnagar bus accident. I extend my condolences to the grieving families and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured."
Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hamid Karra expressed his sorrow and urged officials to provide immediate relief, proper medical facilities, and necessary assistance to the affected families. Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh spoke with Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa after the accident, stating that arrangements were being made to airlift the seriously injured victims to hospitals.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The minister posted on social media, "Upon learning about the tragic road accident involving a bus traveling from Ramnagar to Udhampur, I just spoke with Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa." He added, "An immediate rescue operation has been initiated. There is a likelihood of many casualties. All possible assistance is being provided, and the injured will be taken to hospitals for medical aid. Arrangements are being made to airlift the seriously injured." Singh mentioned that he is in constant contact with the local administration and the team of BJP workers involved in the rescue operation.
Eyewitness Accounts
#WATCH | Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir: A bus met with an accident in the village Kanote, Udhampur.
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10 people have died, and a rescue operation is underway. The injured have been shifted to the government hospital in Udhampur: J&K Police pic.twitter.com/iqEcoxg2F6