At least 36 people died and 19 were injured when a bus fell into a 400 feet deep gorge on Wednesday (November 15) in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, the death toll may increase further.
36 bodies were removed
Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh wrote on Twitter, “Saddened to share the update from DC #Doda Sh Harvinder Singh from the spot of the accident. Unfortunately 36 persons have died and 19 injured, out of whom 6 injured are serious. The injured are being shifted to GMC Doda. “All possible help is being provided by GMC Jammu as per requirement. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
The bus with registration number JK02CN-6555 , which was reportedly carrying around 40 passengers, skidded off the road near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway and fell 30 feet, officials said .
Rescue operation continues
Officials said that rescue operations have been started and some bodies have been recovered. Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the injured have been admitted to District Hospital Kishtwar and GMC Doda.
Prime Minister expressed grief, families of the deceased will get Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “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 that the injured recover at the earliest.”
The families of each deceased will be given an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF and the injured will be given Rs 50,000.”
Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families & wishing for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons.
Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir directed the Divisional Commissioner and the district administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected persons.
Official sources told IANS that the driver of the passenger bus lost control of the vehicle at Aser in Doda district and the bus fell into a deep gorge.