LG, CM direct assistance
Udhampur, Oct 21: A five-year-old girl and a woman were killed and 16 passengers injured after a passenger bus plunged into a deep gorge at Gulli Gala in the Latti-Basantgarh area of Udhampur district on Wednesday morning.
The bus, bearing registration number JK02AL-3477, was travelling from Pachiound to Ramnagar when the accident occurred around 8 am on the Basantgarh-Ramnagar road. The driver reportedly lost control while negotiating a sharp curve, causing the vehicle to skid off the road and roll down into the gorge.
The deceased girl was identified as Takshika, daughter of Rakesh Kumar and a resident of Chatrari. The identity of the woman was yet to be established.
Six of the injured passengers were reported to be in critical condition and referred for specialised treatment. The injured were initially shifted to the Sub-District Hospital in Ramnagar, while some were being treated at the Primary Health Centre in Basantgarh.
Local residents were among the first to reach the spot and assist in rescue operations, evacuating passengers from the mangled vehicle and shifting the injured for medical treatment. Police and district administration teams subsequently reached the site and coordinated rescue and medical assistance.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. In a post on X, he said he had directed the district administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families and ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief over the accident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and necessary assistance to the injured. The Chief Minister’s Office said it was in constant touch with the concerned authorities and monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, said he had spoken to Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Ananth Dwivedi after receiving information about the accident. He said the administration was providing necessary assistance and that his office remained in contact with district authorities.
The minister also said he had taken up the issue of construction of the Ramnagar-Basantgarh road with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) authorities in Delhi, bringing the road’s condition and development into focus following the accident.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the crash.
