The tragic bus accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Monday claimed at least 14 lives and left 33 others injured when a passenger bus overturned near village Kanote while travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur town. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with several critically injured passengers shifted to GMC Hospital in Udhampur and Ramnagar, and arrangements made to airlift those requiring urgent care. Officials said the cause of the accident is under investigation, though the bus reportedly turned turtle during the mishap. The district administration emphasized that their immediate priority is to provide medical assistance and relief to the victims.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, announcing an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF. Condolences also came from Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who confirmed he was in constant touch with local authorities, and J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who directed police, SDRF, and health officials to extend all possible support. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed grief, assuring that the government stands firmly with the victims’ families. The accident underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in hilly regions, where overloaded vehicles, poor road conditions, and sharp turns often contribute to such tragedies.