Srinagar: At least seven people were killed and many others injured after a vehicle plunged into a deep gorge in the Durbuk subdivision of Leh-Ladakh this morning.
The tragic accident occurred near Dubuk Mor when the vehicle lost control and skidded off the road.
According to Leh District Magistrate Santosh Sukhdeve, six individuals died at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries at the district hospital. Another 22 people sustained injuries and were initially treated at a nearby army health facility. Later, the injured were airlifted to the District Hospital in Leh with the assistance of Air Force and Army air operations.
The bus involved belonged to Lamdon Public School Leh and was carrying school staff members en route to Durbuk subdivision for a wedding ceremony.
Rescue efforts were launched immediately following the incident, with local authorities working diligently to ensure that all those affected received prompt medical attention. Both Army and District hospitals in Leh have been mobilized to provide urgent care to the injured.
“Seven passengers died and 20 others were injured when a private bus travelling from Leh to Eastern Ladakh fell into a 200-metre-deep gorge,” he said, adding that the injured have been shifted to hospital.
He said three choppers, including those from the Army and Indian Air Force (IAF), were used for the rescue operation.
Meanwhile, an army spokesperson in a statement issued to KNO said, “In a swift and compassionate response, Indian Army personnel deployed near Durbuk, Ladakh, rendered crucial assistance following a tragic accident involving a civilian school bus today at approximately 11 AM. The bus, carrying 27 passengers, lost control and plunged into a gorge approximately 5 kilometres from Durbuk.”
The accident was promptly noticed by the Indian Army troops in the vicinity, who immediately rushed to the scene and initiated the evacuation of the victims, the statement said.
The spokesperson added, “Demonstrating remarkable efficiency and care, the soldiers quickly transported all 27 casualties to nearby medical facilities. The injured were initially evacuated to the Military Hospital and Primary Health Centre at Tangste, where they received urgent medical attention.”
Recognising the severity of the injuries, the Indian Army employed its aviation assets, conducting 14 sorties using Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Cheetal Helicopters to airlift the casualties to the Military Hospital in Leh, the defence spokesperson said, adding that following an initial examination and treatment, 20 of the injured were transferred to Sonam Norbu Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh for specialised care.
Providing an update on the casualties, the spokesperson said one individual with a spinal injury has been retained at the Military Hospital in Leh for an MRI and further treatment.
“There are 7 fatalities, 6 initially, with one additional fatality reported post-evacuation at SNM Hospital; and 20 injured, including 3 children and 17 females,” he said.
“The humane actions of the Army personnel saved lives and provided much-needed relief to those affected by this tragic accident,” the spokesperson added.
7 killed, many injured in Leh mishap
