JAMMU: At least 16 people were killed and 20 others injured after a passenger bus rolled down a hill in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Monday, officials said.The accident occurred around 10am near Kagort village in the Ramnagar area when the bus was negotiating a blind curve.Residents in the area were the first toreach the site and began rescuing passengers, pulling the injured from the wreckage before emergency teams arrived.Police and other responders later joined the operation to evacuate victims and clear the site.Officials said 16 bodies had been recovered from the vehicle, while 20 injured passengers were taken to hospital. The condition of several of them was described as “serious”.Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and grief over the mishap and announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for next of kin of those who died and Rs 50,000 for the injured passengers.“Pained to hear about the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the tragic mishap. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” PMO India posted on X.Authorities said the bus was on its way to Udhampur from a remote village when the accident took place.The cause of the crash is yet to be officially confirmed.Union minister Jitendra Singh said he had spoken to local authorities following the incident and that arrangements were being made to assist the injured.“Just now spoke to DC Udhampur, Minga Sherpa after learning about a tragic road accident, less than an hour ago, at village Kanote, involving a public transport bus on way from Ramnagar to Udhampur.“The rescue operation has been immediately undertaken. Heavy casualties are expected. All possible assistance is being provided. The injured will be shifted for medical aid. Arrangements being made to airlift the seriously injured,” the minister said in a post on X.Singh added that he remained in contact with the local administration and party workers involved in the rescue operation.Authorities said further details were awaited as rescue efforts continued and the injured received treatment.
