Jammu and Kashmir: 36 killed, 19 injured as bus falls into 300-ft deep gorge in Doda; PM Modi announces ex-gratia

Jammu: At least 36 passengers were killed and 19 others injured when a bus they were travelling in skidded off and rolled down into 300-feet deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh each as ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased.

Police said that at least 36 people were killed and 19 injured after a passenger bus fell into a deep gorge in Assar area of Doda district.

"A bus skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge near Trungal-Assar on Batote-Kishtwar road," they said.

Police added that a rescue team rushed to the spot and launched rescue operation.

"Thirty-six passengers have died in the tragic incident while 19 have been injured, some of them critically. The critically injured people have been airlifted to Jammu for treatment,” they said.

Modi expressed grief over the tragic accident.

“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,” PMO India said in a post on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh posted on X, "saddened to share the update from DC #Doda Harvinder Singh from the spot of the accident. 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."

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in an official communique issued by the Raj Bhavan has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda today.

“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,” the Lt Governor said. (UNI)