15 Killed as Bus Plunges Into Gorge in Udhampur, Several Injured
In a tragic road accident in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, at least 15 people lost their lives and around 20 others were injured after a passenger bus rolled down a steep hillside on Monday morning. The accident occurred near Kanote (Kaghot) village in the Ramnagar area when the bus, travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur, lost control while negotiating a blind curve around 10 am.
According to officials, the vehicle plunged into a deep gorge, causing severe damage and resulting in heavy casualties. Local residents were the first to reach the spot and, along with police and rescue teams, launched immediate relief operations. The injured passengers were pulled out from the wreckage and rushed to nearby hospitals, where several are reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities fear that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue in the difficult hilly terrain. A total of 15 bodies have been recovered so far, while emergency teams are still searching the accident site for any remaining victims.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he has spoken to the district administration and assured that all possible assistance is being provided. He added that arrangements are being made to airlift seriously injured passengers for advanced medical treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He announced an ex gratia of Rs.2 lakh for the next of kin of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
The administration has initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports suggesting that the bus lost control at a dangerous curve. Rescue and relief operations remain underway as authorities continue efforts to assist victims and assess the full extent of the tragedy.
