Jammu and Kashmir: Bus accident in Doda kills 36, leaves 19 injured

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In a devastating incident, at least 36 people lost their lives, and 19 others sustained injuries when a bus carrying passengers skidded off the road and plunged into a 300-foot gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday, according to officials.

The bus, bearing registration number JK02CN-6555, was reportedly transporting around 40 passengers. The tragic accident occurred near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway, causing the bus to fall 300 feet downhill.

A rescue operation is underway, and authorities have already recovered some bodies. Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared updates, stating, "Saddened to share the update from DC #Doda Sh Harvinder Singh from the spot of the accident. Unfortunately, 36 persons have died, and 19 are injured, out of whom 6 are serious. The injured are being shifted to GMC Doda and GMC #Jammu as per requirement. All possible help is being provided. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed their condolences over the tragic incident. Modi said, "The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest." He announced ex-gratia amounts from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti expressesd condolences with the families of the deceased.

Amit Shah expressed deep anguish, stating, "Deeply anguished to learn about the loss of precious lives due to a tragic bus accident at Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. The local administration is conducting the rescue operation in the gorge where the bus had the accident. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured."

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Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also extended condolences and directed authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the affected persons. Due to the substantial fall, the bus has suffered severe damage. Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, and locals are actively involved in the ongoing rescue operation, with injured passengers being transported to hospitals.