A devastating accident unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir‘s Udhampur district on Monday when an overcrowded passenger bus veered off a steep hillside, plunging approximately 100 meters and resulting in the deaths of at least 21 people and injuring 51 others. The bus, reportedly carrying more than 65 passengers, including women and students, was en route from Ramnagar to Udhampur, ferrying daily commuters. The catastrophic incident occurred around 10 am near Kagort village in the Ramnagar area, a region known for its challenging terrain.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the driver of the private bus lost control of the vehicle while navigating a blind curve on the hilly stretch. The bus subsequently plunged down the slope, tragically crushing an auto-rickshaw before coming to rest upside down on the road below. The immediate aftermath saw an Army convoy, which was passing along the same route, take the lead in the extensive rescue operations. The scene was one of utter devastation, with the bus reduced to a mangled heap of iron, its upper portion almost completely torn away, making rescue efforts exceptionally difficult.
The gravity of the situation was acknowledged by national leaders, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending their condolences to the families of the deceased. Prime Minister Modi also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also assured affected families of comprehensive assistance. Abdullah further announced an ex-gratia package of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured, and Rs 25,000 for individuals with minor injuries.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, provided details at the accident site, stating that 15 passengers were found dead at the scene, and an additional four succumbed to their injuries later in the hospital. Two more critically injured individuals passed away during treatment at the Udhampur District Hospital, bringing the total death toll to 21. Among the fatalities were residents of Ramnagar, identified as Tilo Ram, Prem Nath, Kartar Chand, Som Raj, Ram Chand, Gita Devi, Romal Singh, Sharda Devi, Sunny, Vishali Devi, Pushap Raj, Ramolo Ram, Gulabo Devi, Jalam Singh, Kesar Singh, Kanta Devi, and Anita Devi. Sharma emphasized the significant assistance provided by local residents during the challenging rescue operations.
Police teams, including senior officers, were promptly dispatched to the scene. The recovery of the bus involved the use of a hydraulic crane to straighten the mangled vehicle. The DIG described the incident as profoundly tragic and expressed solidarity with the grieving families, assuring them of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s support. Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, were reportedly monitoring the situation closely over the phone. An Army soldier leading a convoy from Udhampur to Ramnagar recounted how his unit immediately responded upon witnessing the civilian vehicle’s descent, securing the area and initiating rescue efforts that, despite immense difficulty, saved numerous lives.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo confirmed that 51 individuals were admitted to various hospitals following the accident. Of these, 43 were being treated at the Udhampur District Hospital, six at a Ramnagar hospital, and two critically injured patients were transferred to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu for specialized care. Dulloo underscored the commitment to providing full medical attention to all injured, describing the accident as deeply painful. He also highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent future occurrences, advocating for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, including monitoring for overloading, ensuring vehicle roadworthiness, and verifying drivers’ licenses and medical fitness.
In response to the tragedy, the Lieutenant Governor posted on X, expressing heartbreak over the accident and offering deepest condolences to the bereaved families, praying for strength and a speedy recovery for the injured. He stated that he had directed the district administration, police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the health department to extend all possible assistance to those affected. The Chief Minister also conveyed heartfelt condolences and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured, affirming the government’s unwavering support for the victims and their families and assuring that all necessary aid was being provided.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
