21 killed, several injured as bus overturns in in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur; toll likely to rise
PTC News Desk: At least 21 people were killed and several others injured after a passenger bus rolled down a gorge and overturned in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district on Monday morning.
The accident occurred at around 10 am when the bus, travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur, reportedly lost control while negotiating a blind curve and turned turtle before falling down the hillside.
Soon after the incident, a massive rescue operation was launched to evacuate the injured with heavy deployment of the Army, police and local residents.
The injured were transported to nearby hospital with many reported to be in critical condition.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he has spoken to district officials and assured that all possible assistance is being provided, including arrangements to airlift the seriously injured.
"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.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced ex-gratia of Rs lakh each for kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to those seriously injured.
"While no amount of financial assistance can compensate for the irreparable loss of lives in the tragic Udhampur road accident, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced immediate relief from the CM Relief Fund," CM Abdullah said.
"An ex gratia of ₹2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, ₹1 lakh to those seriously injured, and ₹25,000 to those who sustained minor injuries," he added further.
- PTC NEWS
