At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after a passenger bus overturned on the Ramnagar–Udhampur highway near Kagort in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said. The toll is feared to rise as rescue operations continue and some of the injured remain in critical condition.
According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred near Kagort village in the Ramnagar area when the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to skid off the road and overturn. Locals at the scene alleged that the bus was speeding while travelling from a remote village towards Udhampur, which may have contributed to the mishap.
Emergency response teams, including police and local प्रशासन officials, rushed to the site soon after the incident. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with injured passengers being shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have also alerted medical teams at the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Udhampur to handle the influx of casualties and provide urgent care.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has taken cognisance of the accident and directed officials to ensure swift medical assistance for the injured. Senior प्रशासन officials are monitoring the situation closely on the ground.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, offering condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the recovery of the injured. He assured that the government is extending all possible support to those affected.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also spoke with the Udhampur District Commissioner regarding the situation. Expressing grief, he said he is in constant touch with local authorities to oversee relief efforts. In a statement shared on social media, he noted that rescue operations were launched immediately and that arrangements are being made to airlift critically injured passengers for advanced medical care.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also condoled the tragedy, stating that he has directed the district administration, police, SDRF, and health departments to provide every possible assistance to victims.
The incident comes just a day after another road accident in the Rajouri district, where a passenger vehicle overturned on the Darhal–Rajouri road, leaving at least 18 people injured. Four of them were reported to be in critical condition and were shifted to the GMC hospital in Rajouri for treatment.
Monday’s दुर्घटना once again highlights the dangers of hilly terrain roads in the region, where over-speeding and difficult driving conditions often lead to fatal accidents. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially on narrow and winding mountain routes, as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
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