In a tragic incident, 36 people lost their lives and 19 others were injured when a bus plunged into a gorge in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. The accident occurred near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway, as the bus skidded off the road and fell 300 feet downhill. Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar confirmed the details of the accident.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh expressed his sorrow and shared updates from the District Commissioner of Doda, Sh Harvinder Singh, who was present at the scene. Dr Singh informed that out of the 19 injured, 6 were in critical condition. The injured individuals are being transported to government-run hospitals in Doda and Kishtwar. Efforts are also being made to arrange a helicopter service for the airlifting of the injured.
Taking to social media, Dr Singh stated, “Injured individuals are being shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar and GMC Doda as per requirement. Helicopter service will be arranged for shifting the more critically injured ones. We are providing all the necessary assistance and support.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the tragic accident. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) posted on social media, “The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.” The PMO also announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be given to the families of the deceased, while Rs 50,000 would be provided as assistance to the injured.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, also expressed her grief over the incident. She shared her condolences on social media and urged the administration to expedite rescue operations.
The authorities are currently working on the rescue and recovery operations at the accident site.
