Jammu & Kashmir: Nine feared dead, 33 injured in terrorist attack on pilgrims' bus in Reasi

Bus stuck in the gorge/ PTI

Nine people are feared dead and 33 others injured after terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district on Sunday, an official reported.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Mohita Sharma, explained the incident and stated that the bus, returning from the Shivkhori shrine and heading towards Katra, came under a terrorist attack. The driver lost control after the firing, causing the bus to plunge into a gorge.

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Sharma confirmed that rescue operations had been completed and the injured were taken to Naraina and Reasi District hospitals. The passengers, who were not locals, are believed to be from Uttar Pradesh.

The SSP added that the Shivkhori shrine was secured and the area was dominated for safety. Initially, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Vishesh Mahajan reported 10 deaths, but the exact number of casualties is still being confirmed.

"It is a very unfortunate incident. Initially, what we received in reports suggested that the bus came under a terrorist attack after they opened fire at the passenger bus," the SSP said. He added, "The bus had been arriving from the Shivkhori shrine and was on its way to Katra. After the terrorist firing, the bus driver lost control and the bus fell down into a gorge."

Adding further, the official said, "Rescue operations are complete. Nine are feared dead and 33 are injured. They were immediately referred to Naraina and Reasi District hospitals. The passengers were not locals. Their identities were not clear but from initial reports, they belonged to UP. Shiv Khori shrine was secured and area domination was done."

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner had said, "10 people died as a bus rolled down a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi."

Further details are awaited.

With ANI inputs