Tragic Bus Accident in Udhampur Claims 21 Lives

A devastating bus accident occurred in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 individuals and injuring 29 others. The incident took place around 10 am when a private bus, carrying approximately 65 passengers from Ramnagar to Udhampur, lost control while navigating a sharp turn near Kagort village. The bus veered off a steep hillside, plunging nearly 100 meters and crushing an auto-rickshaw on the road below before landing upside down.

Udhampur bus crash: What caused the harrowing accident that killed 21 and left 29 injured in J&K? DIG reveals21 dead as bus falls into gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur21 dead, 51 injured as bus rolls down hill in J&K's Udhampur

Immediate rescue efforts were initiated by an Indian Army convoy that was passing by at the time of the accident. Army personnel, along with local residents and police teams, worked to extricate the injured from the wreckage. The bus was later righted using a hydraulic crane, revealing the extent of the damage, with its roof nearly torn off. The rescue operation faced significant challenges due to the bus's mangled condition.

21 dead as bus falls into gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur

In the aftermath of the tragedy, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed their condolences to the victims' families. Prime Minister Modi announced an ex gratia payment of INR2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased and INR50,000 for the injured. Chief Minister Abdullah also pledged INR2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, INR1 lakh for those seriously injured, and INR25,000 for those with minor injuries.

21 dead, 51 injured as bus rolls down hill in J&K's Udhampur

The incident has raised concerns regarding road safety in the region. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent such accidents in the future. He highlighted the importance of monitoring vehicle conditions, ensuring drivers possess valid licenses, and preventing overloading. Local leaders, including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, also expressed their grief and called for improved safety measures.

21 dead, 51 injured as bus rolls down hill in J&K's Udhampur

There are discrepancies regarding the number of injured individuals, with reports indicating figures ranging from 29 to 51. While some sources state that 51 people were hospitalized, others maintain that 29 were injured. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting that the driver lost control while negotiating the curve.

21 dead as bus falls into gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur

• “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,” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi

21 dead as bus falls into gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur

• “This is a very painful accident. As far as the injured are concerned, full care is being taken for their treatment,” — Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo

21 dead, 51 injured as bus rolls down hill in J&K's Udhampur

• “The government stands firmly with the victims and their families in this hour of grief, and that all necessary assistance is being extended.” — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

21 dead, 51 injured as bus rolls down hill in J&K's Udhampur

The tragic accident in Udhampur highlights the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures to protect commuters in the region.

21 dead, 51 injured as bus rolls down hill in J&K's Udhampur