The tragic accident occurred near Kagort village in the Ramnagar area around 10 am when the driver of the private bus reportedly lost control while negotiating a blind curve. The bus, carrying around 50 passengers from Ramnagar to Udhampur, plunged down the slope and overturned on the road below.
In a horrifying sequence, the bus also crushed an auto-rickshaw before landing upside down. Those travelling in the auto sustained injuries, officials confirmed.
The impact of the crash left the vehicle completely mangled, with its top portion torn apart, making rescue operations extremely difficult. An Army convoy passing through the area immediately rushed to the scene and initiated rescue efforts, later joined by local residents, police teams, and other authorities.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, said that several passengers died on the spot, while others succumbed to injuries during treatment at hospitals, including Udhampur District Hospital.
“Local residents played a crucial role in assisting the rescue teams,” he added.
Police officials, including the Senior Superintendent of Police and SHO Ramnagar, reached the site promptly. Army personnel also participated in the joint rescue operation to evacuate the injured and retrieve the deceased.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives. The Prime Minister announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed their condolences and assured full support to the affected families. They directed authorities to ensure immediate relief and medical assistance to the injured.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while efforts continue to provide treatment to those injured in the accident.
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