Jammu, Apr 20: A devastating road accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district claimed at least 15 lives and left around 20 others injured on Monday after a passenger bus lost control and rolled down a steep hillside.
The incident occurred near Kagort village in the Ramnagar area at approximately 10 am, when the vehicle was navigating a sharp blind curve. According to officials, the bus was en route to Udhampur from a remote village when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and plunge into a deep slope.
Local residents were the first to respond, rushing to the accident site and initiating rescue efforts. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as villagers worked tirelessly to pull survivors from the mangled remains of the bus. Their efforts were soon reinforced by police personnel and emergency responders, who launched a coordinated operation to evacuate the injured and recover victims.
Authorities confirmed that 15 bodies were retrieved from the wreckage, while the injured were transported to nearby medical facilities. Several of those hospitalized are reported to be in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could rise.
The scale of the हादसा prompted swift administrative action, with Union Minister Jitendra Singh immediately reaching out to district officials. He spoke to Minga Sherpa to assess the situation and ensure rapid deployment of emergency resources.
In a statement shared on X, Singh said that rescue operations were initiated without delay and that arrangements were being made to airlift critically injured patients to advanced medical facilities. He emphasized that all possible assistance is being extended to those affected.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the injured. He directed district authorities, police, State Disaster Response Force, and health departments to provide comprehensive support to victims and their families.
The office of the Chief Minister also conveyed grief over the loss of lives, affirming that the government stands firmly with those impacted and is ensuring that necessary relief measures are in place.
This tragic incident once again highlights the dangers associated with mountainous roads in the region, where narrow routes, sharp turns, and unpredictable conditions often pose serious risks to commuters. Authorities are expected to review safety measures and investigate the exact cause of the accident as the community grapples with the aftermath of the disaster.