Srinagar, November 10 (KNS): At least 18 tourists were injured after a Tempo Traveller plunged into a gorge near Sumbal Bala in Ganderbal district on Tuesday.

According to reports, the vehicle was travelling from Sonamarg towards Srinagar when the driver reportedly lost control near Gund Sumbal Power House along the Srinagar-Sonamarg road, causing it to plunge into a deep gorge.

Soon after the accident, local residents and police personnel rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The injured were evacuated and shifted to nearby health facilities for immediate medical assistance.

The injured were initially taken to Primary Health Centre (PHC) Gund, where they received first aid. Eight tourists, whose condition required specialised medical attention, were subsequently referred to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The injured tourists were reportedly from Gujarat, West Bengal and Punjab. Further details about their condition were awaited.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he had spoken to senior officials, including the Director of SKIMS and the Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, regarding the accident.

In a post on X, Sinha said eight injured tourists from Gujarat and West Bengal had been referred to SKIMS.

“I have directed the officials and the Director, SKIMS, to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of all those injured in the accident.

The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. (KNS)