14 killed, several injured as bus overturns in J&K’s Udhampur
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At least 14 people were killed and 33 others injured in a tragic road accident in Udhampur on Monday, after a passenger bus travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur town overturned en route.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh confirmed the casualties, stating that rescue efforts are ongoing and priority is being given to providing immediate medical assistance to the injured. Some victims have been shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Udhampur, while others are receiving treatment in Ramnagar.
Officials said the bus turned turtle during the accident, though the exact cause is yet to be determined. Further details are awaited.
Reacting to the incident, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Lok Sabha MP from the Kathua-Udhampur constituency, Jitendra Singh, said he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa soon after the accident, which occurred near village Kanote. He noted that rescue operations were launched immediately and warned that casualties could rise. Singh added that all possible assistance is being extended, with arrangements underway to airlift critically injured patients. He also said he is in constant touch with the local administration and party workers led by Rajinder Sharma.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the incident, calling it heartbreaking. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and directed the district administration, police, State Disaster Response Force, and health department to provide all necessary assistance to those affected.
The office of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep sorrow, extending condolences to the victims’ families and assuring full government support, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said she was deeply saddened by the accident and offered condolences, while praying for the swift recovery of those injured.
Authorities noted that accidents in hilly districts such as Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Reasi, Kishtwar and Udhampur are often caused by overloading, overspeeding, rash and negligent driving, along with poor road conditions. To curb such incidents, the traffic department has deployed special teams in these areas to check violations and prevent loss of lives due to human error.
With IANS inputs