In a tragic road accident in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, at least 36 passengers were killed, and 19 sustained injuries on Wednesday afternoon.
The condition of the six injured passengers is stated to be critical.
Official sources told news agency Kashmir News Trust that a bus went out of control from the driver while negotiating a mode near the remote area of Assar and fell several hundred meters down in the gorge. He said that 36 passengers had succumbed to their injuries and 19 injured out of which 6 are critical have been shifted to the hospitals for treatment.
Sources added that there was a delay in the rescue operation due to the remoteness of the area, however, locals rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to the hospital.
Pertinently, the remote roads of Doda are precarious and prone to road accidents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet while express grief over the loss of life in the accident tweeted: “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. 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.”
Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said that he was 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. The injured are being shifted to GMC Doda and GMC Jammu as per requirement. All possible help being provided. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families.” [KNT]
