Srinagar, Jammu, India – A bus carrying pilgrims plunged into a deep gorge in the Chungi Morh area of Akhnoor in Jammu district on Thursday afternoon, resulting in at least 21 deaths and 69 injuries, officials reported.
According to a statement from a local official, the bus was en route from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh to the Shiv Khori area of Reasi district when the accident occurred.
The bus fell approximately 200 meters into the gorge, prompting a swift rescue operation to evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals.
Muhammad Saleem Khan, the Block Medical Officer in Akhnoor, confirmed that 21 individuals were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, with around 69 others sustaining injuries. He noted that the critically injured have been transferred to GMC Jammu for specialized treatment.
Expressing sorrow over the tragedy, President Droupadi Murmu stated, “Pained beyond words to learn about the loss of lives in a bus accident in Akhnoor near Jammu. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery of the injured.”
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described the incident as “heart-rending” and assured that the administration is offering all possible assistance.
“The bus accident in Akhnoor, Jammu is heart-rending. I condole the loss of lives and pray to the almighty to give the bereaved families the strength to bear the irreparable loss. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The administration is providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families and is also extending medical facilities to those who have been injured,” he shared on X.
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