11 dead, at least 25 injured as bus plunges into gorge in J-K's Poonch

As many as 11 people died and at least 25 were left injured after a mini-bus plunged into a deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Wednesday.

The bus, carrying over 36 passengers, was on its way to Poonch from Gali Maidan when it met with the accident near the Brari Nallah in the border belt of Sawjian, reported PTI.

A joint rescue operation by the Army, police and local villagers was underway.


President Droupadi Murmu condoled the death and said that the tragic road accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch was 'deeply distressing' and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.


Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed his grief over the loss of lives and announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia for the kin of the deceased.

"Saddened by loss of lives due to a road accident in Sawjian, Poonch. Condolences to bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Rs 5 lakh would be given to the next of kin of deceased. Directed police and civil authorities to provide best possible treatment to the injured," Sinha tweeted.

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and leaders of different political parties, including former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, also expressed grief over the loss of life and condoled the bereaved families.

Dhankhar said in his tweet, "Pained to learn about the loss of lives in a bus accident in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured."


Abdullah said, "Very sorry to hear about the tragic loss of lives in a bus accident in Poonch. May the souls of the departed rest in peace & may the injured make a swift recovery."

Mufti also expressed her shock over the accident. She took to Twitter and wrote, "Shocked to hear about the unfortunate accident at Sawajian Mandi in Poonch. Deepest condolences to the grieving families & prayers for the injured."

(With inputs from agencies)