NEW DELHI: At least 15 people were killed and 33 others injured after a passenger bus overturned in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Monday (April 20), officials said, triggering a large-scale rescue and medical response.
The accident took place near village Kanote when the bus was travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur town. Officials later indicated that the vehicle may have lost control before colliding with an auto rickshaw, though those inside the auto survived.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh said that rescue efforts were underway and the injured were being shifted to hospitals. “Right now, the priority is to rescue the injured and provide them with all possible medical help,” he said.
Some of the injured have been admitted to the Government Medical College hospital in Udhampur, while others are undergoing treatment in Ramnagar.
Rescue operations underway, cause yet to be determined
Officials said the bus turned turtle, though the exact cause is still being investigated. Senior police officers, including DIG Udhampur-Reasi range and SSP Udhampur, reached the spot to oversee rescue operations.
Deputy Inspector General Shiv Kumar Sharma said the driver may have lost control of the vehicle. “The driver probably lost control of the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle came down and collided with an auto. There were passengers in the auto as well. By the grace of God, they survived. A total of around 15 casualties are there. The injured who have been shifted are undergoing treatment,” he told ANI.
In a statement on X, Udhampur Police said, “A bus accident has been reported on the Ramnagar-Udhampur route. Senior officers, including DIG U-R Range, SSP Udhampur & other officers are present at the spot. Rescue operations have been initiated, and necessary assistance is being provided.”
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and MP from Kathua-Udhampur, Dr Jitendra Singh, said he had spoken to the Deputy Commissioner soon after the incident.
“Just now spoke to DC Udhampur, Sh Minga Sherpa after learning about a tragic road accident, less than an hour ago, at village Kanote, involving a public transport bus on way from Ramnagar to Udhampur,” he posted on X.
He added, “The rescue operation has been immediately undertaken. Heavy casualties are expected. All possible assistance is being provided. The injured will be shifted for medical aid. Arrangements being made to airlift the seriously injured. I am in constant touch with the local administration as well as our local workers team led by Sh Rajinder Sharma.”
PM announces ex gratia, leaders express grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced compensation for the victims’ families.
“Pained to hear about the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office said on X.
“An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the tragic mishap. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM Narendra Modi,” it added.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the incident, saying, “Tragic road accident in Udhampur is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to bereaved families. May God grant them strength. Praying for speedy recovery of injured. I have directed district admin, Police, SDRF & Health Dept to provide every possible assistance to those affected.”
The Office of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed condolences, stating, “Chief Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident involving a passenger bus travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Chief Minister affirmed that the government stands firmly with the victims and their families in this hour of grief, and that all necessary assistance is being extended.”
Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic Udhampur – Ramnagar bus accident in which twelve people lost their lives. Condolences to the bereaved families & pray for the swift recovery of those injured”.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed condolences, saying, “The news of the deaths of several people due to a passenger bus falling into a deep gorge in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely heartbreaking. May God grant peace to the departed souls. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Hill roads remain high-risk zones
Road accidents remain a recurring concern in Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous districts, including Poonch, Ramban, Reasi, Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri, and Udhampur. Officials have often cited overspeeding, overloading, negligent driving and poor road conditions as key factors.
The traffic department has deployed special teams in these regions to curb violations and prevent accidents, but incidents continue to raise questions over enforcement and road safety in difficult terrain. - The Statesman/ANN
