The bus was carrying devotees from Haryana’s Kurukshetra and was headed towards Shiv Khori in the Pouni area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. It had started its journey from Uttar Pradesh.
Jammu: A tragic accident occurred in Jammu district on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of 21 pilgrims and injuries to 47 others. The bus, carrying devotees from Haryana’s Kurukshetra, was en route to Shiv Khori in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The journey had commenced in Uttar Pradesh.
The incident took place at Tungi-Morh in the Chowki Chora area, where the bus skidded off the road and plunged about 150 feet into a gorge. The accident was reported at around 12:35 pm. The vehicle, identified by its registration number UP81CT-4058, rolled down the gorge, leading to the fatalities and injuries.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He also assured that the administration is offering all necessary support to the affected families and providing medical care to the injured.
The deceased were taken to the Akhnoor sub-district hospital, while the injured were initially treated at the Akhnoor hospital. Subsequently, 36 injured individuals, including six in critical condition, were transferred to the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Jammu. Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, the principal of the GMC hospital, confirmed the critical status of six patients and emphasized that timely treatment is being administered.
According to statements from the injured passengers, the accident occurred while the bus driver was navigating a blind curve and encountered an oncoming speeding car. Amar Chand, one of the injured, recounted the driver’s attempt to avoid the car, which led to the bus losing control and rolling into the gorge.
Senior officials, including the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Traffic, Faisal Qureshi, and the transport commissioner, visited the accident site to oversee the rescue operations. The SSP indicated that there was no apparent overloading of passengers in the bus. Both the SSP and the deputy commissioner of Jammu later visited the GMC hospital to check on the injured.
The rescue operation is ongoing, with officials continuing to provide assistance and support to those affected by this devastating accident.
