41 critically-injured shifted to Jammu; PM, Guv, CM, Azad, Farooq, others grieved
At least 21 people including 11 women and a minor died while 46 others were injured, most of them critically, when an “overloaded” bus plunged into a deep gorge at Gurnak area near Jyotipuram village in this district in Jammu province on Thursday, police and witnesses said.
A senior police officer said the ill-fated bus (JK02S-0295) was on way to Bakal village from Reasi when it skidded off the road after the driver failed to negotiate a narrow curve, resulting in death of 21 people and injuries to 46 others.
According to him, 16 people died on the spot while five died on way to District Hospital Reasi.
Sources said soon after the accident, a rescue operation was launched by the district administration with the help of police and locals.
Witnesses said it took the rescue teams several hours to evacuate the injured and bodies from the site of the accident. They said of 46 injured, 41 were critical and shifted to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC&H) Jammu in a state chopper or by road.
“Five of the injured are under treatment at District Hospital Reasi,” they said.
The police identified the deceased as Janeet Singh (46) son of Prem Singh of Serot Kote; Rohit Kumar (18) son of Charan Dass of Vijaypur, Reasi; Sonakshi Sharma (2) daughter of Vijay Sharma, Sukhanya Devi (45) wife of Paras Ram—both residents of Bakal, Reasi; Vaishno Devi (50) wife of Bodh Raj of Saramgarh; Neetu Devi (35) wife of Santokh Singh, Mohit Ram (40) son of Basantar, Prem Lata (36) wife of Bishan Singh, Neelam Devi (40) wife of Des Raj, Sandya Devi (36) wife of Angrej Singh, Khem Raj (23) son of Madan Lal, Sushma Devi (40) wife of Madan Lal of Shersundwa, Prem Nath (60) son of Shoru of Sermgha, Atma Ram (56) son of Gopi Chand—all residents of Shersundwa; Raj Kumari (39) wife of Kashmir Singh, Romal Singh (47) son of Amru , Shiv Singh (50) son of Amru, Taro Devi (40) wife of Kaku Ram—all residents of Sujhandar; Reeta Devi (25) wife of Sat Pal of Kothli and Kaku Ram (62) son of Baku of Sari; Savitri Devi (57) wife of Ramnath of Kotli.
PM, Governor, CM, Others Grieved
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight condoled the loss of lives in a bus accident in Jammu and Kashmir.
“My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate accident in Reasi, J&K. Prayers with the injured,” he tweeted.
Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in the road accident.
In his condolence message, the Governor conveyed sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed souls. He also wished speedy recovery to the injured.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also expressed deep grief and anguish over the loss of lives in the tragic road accident. Extending heartfelt condolences to the families of those who died in the accident, the Chief Minister prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls. She also called for ensuring best-possible medicare facilities for the injured and prayed for the early recovery of the injured.
Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed his deep anguish and grief on the loss of lives in the tragic accident.
Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the loss of lives. In his condolence message, he conveyed his sympathies to the members of the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed souls.
The Deputy Chief Minister also visited Government Medical College Jammu and enquired about the condition of the injured, an official spokesman said. He directed the doctors and administration of the GMC Jammu to provide medical assistance to the injured.
Meanwhile, on the instructions of the Chief Minister, Deputy Commissioner Reasi has released immediate cash relief of Rs 10000 each in favor of the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 5000 each for the injured, the spokesman said.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Prof Amitabh Mattoo expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the road accident.
In a condolence message, Prof Mattoo conveyed his sympathies to the members of the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed souls. He wished speedy recovery to the persons injured in the accident.
Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq has expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in district Reasi.
National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed shock and grief over the tragic road accident in Reasi and conveyed his condolences to those who have lost their dear ones.
Provincial President Jammu, Devender Singh Rana also expressed deep grief over the death of several passengers in the mishap.
