JAMMU, Nov 15: At least 38 people were killed and eighteen injured on Wednesday when a bus carrying passengers skidded off the road and rolled down into a 300-foot gorge in Doda district. The accident took place near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway in Doda.
The ill-fated bus, bearing Registration Number JK02CN-6555, skidded off the road and plunged into a 300-foot gorge.
Among the passengers, eighteen sustained injuries, with some in critical condition. Five critically injured individuals were airlifted from Doda to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC&H) in Jammu for advanced treatment. Two of them were declared brought dead upon arrival at GMC-Jammu.
Assistant Medical Superintendent at GMC&H, Jammu, Dr Bharat Bhushan, said, “Out of the four critically injured brought to GMC-Jammu, three were unknown.”
The fifth critically injured passenger is being transported to GMC-Jammu by road. The survivours who were airlifted reached GMC-Jammu around 6 pm.
A minor girl, aged between 6-7 years, is undergoing treatment at GMC-Jammu, having lost her mother in the tragic accident.
SSP Doda informed Rising Kashmir, “Thirty-eight people died in the accident, while the five critically injured were shifted to GMC-Jammu for advanced treatment.”
PM announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to kin of deceased, Rs 50,000 for injured
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives in the tragic Doda bus accident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PM’s National Relief Fund to the next of the kin of each of deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
“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,” the Office of the PM posted on X.
“An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured,” according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences and in a statement said that the local administration is actively engaged in the rescue operation at the site of the accident.
The mishap took place as the bus with 55 passengers, which was on its way from Kishtwar to Jammu veered off the road and rolled down the steep slope near Trungal in the Assar area on the highway. (ANI)
President Murmu expresses grief at loss of lives
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday expressed sadness over the bus accident in Doda.
The President said that she is deeply saddened by the news of the unfortunate death of several passengers in the accident.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the unfortunate death of several passengers in a bus accident in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. I express my condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” Murmu said in a post on the social media platform, X.
Thirty-six people died and 19 others were injured after a bus fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda today.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed in a post on X about the 36 deaths and said that out the injured, six people were said to be in a critical condition.
Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences and in a statement said that the local administration is actively engaged in the rescue operation at the site of the accident.
The mishap took place as the bus with 55 passengers, which was on its way from Kishtwar to Jammu veered off the road and rolled down the steep slope near Trungal in the Assar area on the highway.
“Saddened to share the update from DC Doda Harvinder Singh from the spot of the accident. Unfortunately, 36 persons have died and 19 injured, out of whom 6 injured are serious,” Minister Singh posted on X.
The Union Minister said that he had spoken to the Doda District Commissioner, Harvinder Singh and that the injured are being shifted to Government Medical College Doda.
Singh said, “Helicopter service to be arranged for shifting the more injured ones. All possible help, as required being provided. I am in constant touch”.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
“Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families & wishing for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons,” Sinha tweeted.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condoled the loss of lives in a post on X.
“Deeply shocked & saddened about the tragic road accident at Assar in Doda. Deepest condolences to the families of those feared dead & hope the administration expedites rescue operations,” Mufti posted on X. (ANI)
LG announces Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to Nok
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the unfortunate bus accident in Assar, Doda.
He has also approved an amount of Rs.1 lakh for those injured and assured all possible assistance to the affected families.
The Lt Governor tweeted: “An ex-gratia of Rs.5 Lakh each would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the unfortunate bus accident in Assar, Doda. Rs. 1 Lakh would be given to those injured. J&K UT Administration will provide every possible assistance to the affected families”.
CS assesses rescue & rehab efforts
Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta promptly took stock of the rescue and rehabilitation measures implemented by the District and Divisional administration in the aftermath of the unfortunate road accident at Assar, Doda. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of 36 lives and left 19 individuals injured.
Expressing shock and anguish over the incident, Dr Mehta called for a thorough investigation into all possible causes contributing to the accident. He emphasised the administration’s commitment to addressing identified loopholes and intensifying measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Chief Secretary inquired about the status of ongoing rescue efforts and the transportation of injured individuals to hospitals from the concerned Divisional and Deputy Commissioner. He urged the health department to provide the best possible medical care to the injured, ensuring a swift and effective recovery.
Dr. Mehta conveyed the solidarity of the LG Administration with the affected families, assuring that comprehensive rehabilitation measures would be taken for the bereaved families and those injured in the accident.
Several severely injured individuals have been transferred to GMC Doda and GMC Jammu for specialized treatment. All necessary assistance is being provided to them as directed by the LG.
During the occasion, Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta extended his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured in this tragic accident.
Indian Army conducts swift rescue operation
After a bus carrying passengers skidded off the road and rolled down into a 300-foot gorge in Doda district on Wednesday, killing at least 38 people, the Indian Army, in collaboration with civil administration, conducted a swift rescue operation.
In a display of promptness and coordination, the Indian Army, in collaboration with civil administration, conducted a swift rescue operation in response to a grievous accident on National Highway 244 at Assar, near Wani Mod, approximately 4 km from COB ASSAR towards Batote.
The incident involved a civil bus travelling from Kishtwar to Jammu, which tragically fell approximately 250 feet from the road. The time of the incident was reported to be around 12:30 hours.
The unfortunate incident resulted in a total of 38 casualties, with 32 passengers declared dead initially.
Additionally, 20 individuals sustained injuries, and immediate medical assistance is being provided.
“The Indian Army’s quick response included the activation of a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and medical personnel from COB Assar (1-1-28) at 1230 hrs. Army medical teams swiftly reached the accident site, evacuating the injured to Government Hospital Doda,” army officials said in a statement.
It further said that present efforts are focused on evacuating the injured individuals and shifting the bodies of the deceased passengers for further medical formalities. Bodies are being sent to Assar Primary Health Centre and Doda Civil Hospital.
A total of 58 individuals were on board the ill-fated bus at the time of the incident.
The Indian Army also expressed its deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragic accident.
“The collaborative efforts with the civil administration underline the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens in times of crisis,” it added. (ANI)
