Fatal Bus Crash in Udhampur Leaves 21 Dead
A devastating road accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district claimed the lives of at least 21 passengers on Monday after a bus overturned on the Ramnagar-Udhampur highway near Kagort village. Officials confirmed that 29 others were injured, many of them seriously, and the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.
The bus was reportedly travelling from a remote village towards Udhampur when the driver allegedly lost control near a sharp bend, causing the vehicle to skid off the road and overturn. Local residents were the first to rush to the scene and began helping trapped passengers before police and emergency teams arrived.
Authorities said the injured were quickly shifted to nearby hospitals, while medical teams at Government Medical College (GMC), Udhampur, were placed on alert to handle the emergency.
Overspeeding Suspected Behind the Tragedy
Initial reports suggest that overspeeding may have led to the crash. According to local witnesses, the driver lost control near Kagort village in the Ram Nagar area, causing the bus to overturn on the hilly road.
Senior district officials reached the site soon after the accident, and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) directed authorities to ensure immediate treatment for all the injured.
Rescue operations continued for several hours, with emergency personnel working to evacuate passengers and provide urgent medical assistance.
PM Modi Announces Ex Gratia for Victims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragic accident and announced financial assistance for the victims and their families.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of each deceased victim, while Rs 50,000 will be provided to those injured in the crash.
The Prime Minister also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of those injured in the accident.
President Murmu and Omar Abdullah Express Grief
President Droupadi Murmu also condoled the loss of lives and expressed sorrow over the tragedy. In a message, she said she was deeply saddened by the deaths and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the accident as heartbreaking and assured that the administration was extending all possible support to the affected families.
He said the government stands firmly with the victims and that all necessary assistance is being provided to those injured in the incident.
Jitendra Singh Monitoring Rescue Efforts
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who represents Udhampur in the Lok Sabha, said he immediately spoke to Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa after receiving information about the accident.
He stated that rescue operations were launched without delay and arrangements were being made to airlift seriously injured passengers for better treatment if needed.
In a statement, Singh said, “The rescue operation has been immediately undertaken. Heavy casualties are expected. All possible assistance is being provided.”
His office said he remains in constant contact with local authorities to monitor the evolving situation.
LG Manoj Sinha Orders Immediate Assistance
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed condolences and directed all concerned departments to provide immediate assistance.
He said district administration officials, police, SDRF teams, and the health department have been instructed to ensure that all affected passengers receive timely help and medical care.
The accident has once again highlighted the dangers of road travel on the mountainous highways of Jammu and Kashmir, where difficult terrain and sharp bends often increase the risk of fatal crashes.
Another Major Accident Reported a Day Earlier
The tragedy came just one day after another road accident in Rajouri district, where a passenger vehicle overturned after skidding off the road, leaving 18 people injured.
Officials said four of those injured were in critical condition and had to be shifted to GMC Rajouri for advanced treatment.
The back-to-back accidents have raised concerns about road safety enforcement in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly on hilly routes where overspeeding and difficult road conditions can prove deadly.
How many people died in the Udhampur bus accident?
At least 21 people were killed after a passenger bus overturned on the Ramnagar-Udhampur highway in Jammu and Kashmir.
How many people were injured in the accident?
Twenty-nine people were injured in the accident, several of whom are reported to be in serious condition.
What compensation did PM Modi announce?
PM Modi announced Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for each injured passenger.
What caused the Udhampur bus accident?
Initial reports suggest that overspeeding caused the driver to lose control of the bus near Kagort village, leading to the accident.
