Four passengers, including a security personnel, died and scores were injured after a passenger bus plunged into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Tuesday. The accident occurred when the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to skid off the road and fall into the deep gorge.
Conflicting reports state the number of injured. News reports indicate that 44 people were injured in the accident. Other sources mention that 42 people were injured. Yet another report states that 20 people were injured.
The bus was en route to Mendhar from Ghani village when the accident occurred around 9:20 am near Sangra in the Mankote area. Local residents, along with police, army, and CRPF personnel, immediately launched a rescue operation.
Officials have identified some of the deceased as Mohd Majeed, Shakeela Begum, and Noor Hussain. The condition of several injured people was reported to be critical, and some were referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Jammu for specialized treatment.
Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Mendhar, confirmed that two people were brought dead to the hospital, while others were injured. He also stated that all available ambulances were mobilized to shift the injured to medical facilities with the help of police, CRPF, army, and local volunteers.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed their grief over the tragic accident. The Jammu and Kashmir government has stated that it will provide all necessary support to the victims and their families. Minister Javed Ahmad Rana said that he had instructed the divisional commissioner of Jammu to ensure immediate assistance, including airlifting the critically injured to GMC Jammu.