36 dead, 16 injured as overcrowded bus falls into gorge in Jammu

SRINAGAR: At least 36 people were killed and 16 others injured in an accident in Kishtwar area of Jammu division on Monday morning, when an overcrowded bus overturned and fell into a deep gorge. The bus was travelling from Keshwan to Kishtwar and the accident took place at Sirgwari near Kuryal Pul, around 23 kilometres from Kishtwar town. At least 23 people were declared dead at the district hospital while 13 more succumbed to injuries during treatment.

Officials said that mini bus JK17-6787, with a capacity of 25 passengers, was carrying around 52 passengers and that the driver lost control of the vehicle at a sharp turn and skidded off the road and fell into a gorge.

J&K police, State Disaster Response Force, volunteers of Ababeel and Red Cross Society, along with locals, rushed to the spot and started a rescue operation. Later, the army also came in to help.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolence over the heart-wrenching incident. “We mourn all those who lost their lives and express condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he tweeted.