Udhampur Jammu Bus Accident: 21 die, over 29 injured as bus plunges 100 feet from hill
A bus met with an accident in Udhampur, Jammu, on Monday morning. The bus, traveling from Ramnagar, plunged approximately 100 feet down from the road near Kagot and overturned. At least 21 people lost their lives in this accident, while over 29 passengers sustained injuries.
According to the injured passengers, the bus was overloaded and traveling at high speed. The upper section of the bus was completely destroyed in the accident.
The bus was traveling from a remote village toward Udhampur. The accident occurred as the bus was navigating a blind turn in the Ram Nagar area. The driver suddenly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn and tumble down the hillside.
Local residents were the first to arrive at the scene and immediately initiated rescue operations. They worked to extricate the injured victims trapped inside the wreckage of the damaged bus. Police personnel and other agencies soon joined the rescue efforts.
Several inured are critical
A pile of bodies accumulated on the road below. A total of 20 bodies were recovered from the wreckage of the vehicle. Meanwhile, 20 injured individuals were immediately rushed to the hospital. Officials stated that the condition of several of the injured victims remains critical.
Critically injured to be airlifted
Union Minister Jitendra Singh spoke with Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa following the accident. He informed that arrangements are being made to airlift the critically injured victims. The Minister expressed his deep concern regarding this tragic road accident in a post on 'X'.
Army convoy took charge of the rescue operations
Before coming to rest upside down on the road below, the bus crushed an auto-rickshaw in its descent. Officials reported that the occupants of the auto-rickshaw sustained injuries but survived the ordeal. In the aftermath of the crash, an Army convoy passing through the same route took charge of the rescue operations. Subsequently, the overturned vehicle was straightened with the assistance of a hydraulic crane.
PM announces compensation
Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated in a social media post that the bus involved in the accident was a public transport vehicle. The injured are currently undergoing treatment at GMC Udhampur.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims of the accident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.