In Jammu and Kashmir, at least 20 passengers were killed and 15 others injured after a bus carrying pilgrims rolled down into a deep gorge in the Tungi Morh area of Akhnoor subdivision in Jammu district this afternoon. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that the ill-fated bus rolled down into a deep gorge near Tungi Morh, Tanda on the Jammu-Poonch national highway (NH144A), resulting in the death of 20 passengers and injuries to 15 others. The injured have been shifted to sub-district hospital Akhnoor, where from critically injured have been referred to Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu. The identities of the deceased and injured are being ascertained, while police have taken cognisance of the incident. The bus was on its way from Jammu to Shiv Khori Cave in Reasi district and was carrying pilgrims mostly from Uttar Pradesh.  Transport Commissioner, J&K Rajinder Sing Tara has confirmed the number of casualties. More details are awaited.

 

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed his deep anguish over the loss of lives in the accident. The administration is providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families and is also extending medical facilities to the injured.

 

The President and the Prime Minister have expressed their anguish over the loss of lives in a bus accident in Akhnoor, near Jammu. President Droupadi Murmu said that she was pained to learn about the loss of lives in the bus mishap. She also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased saying he is anguished by the loss of lives due to the accident. In a social media post, the Prime Minister also announced ex-gratia of two lakh rupees to the next of kin of each deceased and 50 thousand rupees to the injured. 

 

 

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar said he was deeply saddened to learn about the tragic bus accident. He further extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.