A devastating bus accident in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of at least 15 people on Monday morning and left 20 others injured, many critically. The incident occurred around 10 AM when a passenger bus lost control on a notorious blind curve near Kagort village, plummeting into a gorge. The vehicle was en route from a remote village to Udhampur town when it veered off the hillside.
Local residents were quick to respond to the scene, rescuing survivors from the wreckage before police and emergency responders began their evacuation efforts. Tragically, 15 bodies were recovered, and the 20 injured individuals were promptly transported to nearby hospitals. Reports indicate that several of the survivors are in serious condition.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that he had been in direct communication with Udhampur’s Deputy Commissioner, Minga Sherpa, soon after the accident. In a statement on X, Singh emphasized the swift response to the tragedy: “Just now spoke to DC Udhampur, Minga Sherpa after learning about a tragic road accident, less than an hour ago, at village Kanote, involving a public transport bus on the way from Ramnagar to Udhampur.” He noted that heavy casualties were anticipated and assured that all possible assistance was being arranged, including plans for airlifting the most critically injured victims.
Singh maintained ongoing communication with local officials and BJP workers actively engaged in the rescue and recovery efforts. The region’s perilous hill roads are notorious for their hazards, and Udhampur has witnessed numerous accidents in recent years due to narrow mountain paths, hairpin turns, and steep gradients.
As of Monday morning, rescue operations were still in progress at the Kagort site, with authorities focused on clearing debris and ensuring that all passengers were accounted for. The tragedy underscores an ongoing public safety concern in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the need for effective measures to mitigate the risks associated with its challenging roadways.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/many-killed-as-passenger-bus-falls-off-hill-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-udhampur-district-11776664278826.html
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Publish Date: 2026-04-20 11:32:00
