• By Kamal Kumar
  • Wed, 15 Nov 2023 01:56 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Jammu Bus Accident:  A bus en route from Kishtwar to Jammu plunged approximately 250 meters down a steep slope near Trungal in the Assar area of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district. At least 36 people died in the accident while many are reported critically injured. 

According to the district magistrate of Doda, police and locals have started rescue operations. As per the initial reports, the bus plunged into a 300-foot gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda, confirms Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar.

The bus, with registration number JK02CN-6555 and around 40 passengers on board, skidded off the road near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway, leading to a fatal accident.

PM Modi announced compensation:

PM Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased. He also announced that Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh took stock of the situation from the district magistrate. While announcing a helicopter service to shift the injured to the district hospital, he took to the X to apprise of the decision.

"Just now spoke to DC Doda, J&K, Harvinder Singh after receiving information about the bus accident in Assar region. Unfortunately, 5 are dead. The injured being shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar and GMC Doda as per requirement. Helicopter service is to be arranged for shifting the more injured ones. All possible help, as required being provided. I am in constant touch," he wrote.

Preliminary reports from the police control room Doda suggest that the number of deceased could be as high as 20. It is known till now that the bus skidded off the road, however, the causes behind the mishap are still unknown.

(Further details awaited)