At least 35 people have been killed and 17 left injured after a mini bus rolled down a hilly road and fell into deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Monday, 1 July, ANI reported, quoting the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, Angrez Singh Rana.
Of those injured, three have been airlifted to Jammu, ANI reports said. Another helicopter has flown to Kishtwar to airlift more of the injured.
The bus, which way on its way to Kishtwar from Keshwan, skidded off the road at Sirgwari and rolled down into the gorge around 7:30 am on Monday, according to PTI.
The Divisional Commissioner of Jammu requested air force authorities for immediate airlift of victims of bus accident in Kishtwar following which the helicopter unit located at Jammu was tasked for the mission.
Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner A S Rana told PTI that the 28-seater bus was carrying 52 passengers when the accident occurred, adding that a probe would be ordered.
The Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Satya Pal Malik, has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of the kin of the deceased. Malik also directed the administration to provide the best medical treatment to those injured in the accident.
Leaders Condole Deaths
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, calling the accident heart-wrenching.
The Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu also tweeted out his condolences.
Former J&K Chief Minister and National Conference chief Omar Abdullah tweeted, condoling the deaths in the incident.
Mehbooba Mufti also tweeted about the accident.
Home Minister Amit Shah also took to Twitter to express his condolences.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her condolences after the accident.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI.)
(This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.)
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