Jammu, Apr 20(KNS): At least 12 people were killed and several others injured after a passenger bus skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in the Ramnagar area of Udhampur district on Monday, officials said.
The accident occurred near Kanote when the bus lost control and veered off the hilly stretch, they said.
Police, SDRF personnel and local residents immediately launched a rescue operation, evacuating the injured from the site and shifting them to nearby hospitals.
Officials said the death toll has risen to 12, while several injured passengers are undergoing treatment. Some of the critically injured are being prepared for airlifting to higher medical centres, they added.
In a post on X, he said rescue efforts were initiated promptly and all necessary assistance is being extended. He added that arrangements are being made to airlift the seriously injured and that he remains in constant touch with the local administration.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He said directions have been issued to the district administration, police, SDRF and health department to provide all possible assistance to those affected.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
He said the government stands with the victims and assured that necessary support is being provided.(KNS)