A major road accident has taken place in Doda district of Jammu division. Around 12 noon on Wednesday, a bus went out of control in Trangal of Baggar area of Doda district and fell into a ditch about 300 feet deep.
The accident was so severe that 36 people died and about 19 were injured. The bus was going from Kishtwar towards Jammu.
As soon as the accident came to light, nearby people reached the spot. Police were also informed. The injured have been taken to GMC Doda for treatment.
The condition of some of these is also said to be critical. In such a situation, the death toll may increase further.
Seeing the critical condition of the two injured, they were referred to GMC Jammu, but they died on the way.
According to the information, 56 people were traveling in the bus with bus registration number JK02CN-6555. This bus was going from Kishtwar to Jammu.
The bus lost control and fell into a 300 feet gorge near Trungal-Assar on the Batot-Kishtwar National Highway.
Police said that initial information has revealed that three buses were running together on this route and in the race to overtake each other, this major accident happened. The police is investigating the matter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed grief over the incident.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh have also expressed grief over the accident.
PM Modi said on Twitter, “The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is tragic. My condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray That the injured should recover as soon as possible.”
He announced that the next of kin of each deceased would be given an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh and each of the injured would be given Rs 50,000 from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Deeply saddened to know about the loss of precious lives due to a tragic bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. The local administration is carrying out rescue operations. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the deceased and injured.”
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Doda. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Those affected. Div Com and district administration have been directed to provide all necessary assistance.”
Sources said that the bus was badly damaged due to falling from a great height.
He said that apart from the local people, police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel are involved in the rescue operation. He said some injured passengers have been shifted to hospitals.
