JAMMU: At least 20 people were killed and 15 critically injured when their mini bus fell into a gorge along the bank of river Chenab in Ramban district’s Maroog area on Saturday morning.
The accident took place around 10 am near Kala Morh, when the bus was on its way from Banihal to Ramban. The driver lost control of the vehicle, which skidded off the road and plunged into the gorge, said cops. Initial investigation suggests that the steering wheel of the bus had jammed, which led to the accident.
On being alerted, personnel from the
Indian Army,
Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary began a massive rescue operation with the help of residents.
Ramban DCP Showkat Aijaz Bhat confirmed the 20 casualties, including the driver. Of the 15 injured, 12 were airlifted to the Command Hospital, two are under treatment at
Ramban district hospital while one has been admitted to Bone and Joint Hospital in Srinagar. All deceased and injured belong to different regions of Jammu, he added.
Bhat said the government has declared an ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured in the mishap. Police have registered a case and a probe is underway, he added.
