21 killed, 51 injured as bus falls into gorge in Udhampur

Udhampur, Apr 20: At least 21 persons were killed and 51 others injured when a passenger bus rolled down a hill at Kagort village in the Ramnagar area of Udhampur district on Monday, officials said.
Officials said that a bus (No. JK14D-2121) was on its way to Udhampur from a remote village when it met with an accident while negotiating a blind curve near Kagort village.
Soon after the accident, locals, Army personnel, police, and other emergency responders rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation, officials said.
They said that 21 people died, while 51 injured persons were evacuated to hospitals.
A case has been registered under the relevant sections of law and further investigation is underway, the official added.
Shiv Kumar Sharma, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Udhampur-Reasi Range, said the driver of the ill-fated bus lost control on a sharp curve, rolled down nearly 60–70 feet, and also hit an auto-rickshaw on the road below, injuring its occupants.
“It appears the driver lost control at a sharp turn near Kagort village. The bus was travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur,” he said.
President Droupadi Murmu in a post on X wrote: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the deaths of several people in the bus accident that occurred in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the Udhampur bus accident.
In a message posted on X, Shah said the road accident in Udhampur is extremely tragic. “I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. The local administration is fully engaged with utmost promptness in relief and rescue operations. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his deep anguish and grief over the loss of lives in the tragic road accident in Ramnagar, Udhampur.
In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor has said: “Tragic road accident in Udhampur is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May God grant them strength. Praying for speedy recovery of the injured. I have directed the district administration, Police, SDRF and Health Department to provide every possible assistance to those affected”.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a message of condolence extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.
He assured that the government stands firmly with the victims and their families in this hour of grief, and that all necessary assistance is being extended to ensure proper medical care and support to the affected.
The Office of the Chief Minister also announced financial assistance from the CM Relief Fund, including Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for the seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 for those with minor injuries.
Earlier, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said he spoke to Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Minga Sherpa following the accident, informing that arrangements are being made to airlift the seriously injured victims.
“Just now spoke to DC Udhampur, Minga Sherpa after learning about a tragic road accident, less than an hour ago, at village Kanote, involving a public transport bus on way from Ramnagar to Udhampur.
“The rescue operation has been immediately undertaken. Heavy casualties are expected. All possible assistance is being provided. The injured will be shifted for medical aid. Arrangements being made to airlift the seriously injured,” the minister said in a post on X.
Singh said he is in constant touch with the local administration as well as the BJP local workers team involved in the rescue operation.
Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also expressed grief over the incident.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic Udhampur-Ramnagar bus accident.
Condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” she said in a post on X.
Expressing grief over the incident, J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra urged authorities to immediately provide all possible relief, proper medical care, and necessary support to the affected families in this hour of immense pain. (KNO)