India: 21 dead, more than 60 injured after bus falls into deep gorge in Jammu

In a tragic bus accident at Chungi Mode at Chowki Choura between Akhnoor and Bhambla in Jammu region of India, over 21 people have died and over 60 are injured. The administration said that a bus (UP81CT-4058) carrying pilgrims from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, to Shiv Khori lost control and directly fell into a 150 feet deep gorge.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the incident and said that she is "pained beyond words to learn about the loss of lives in a bus accident in Akhnoor near Jammu. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery of the injured."

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Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha expressed deep anguish on the loss of lives in the tragic bus accident in Akhnoor, Jammu.

In a condolence message, the Lt Governor said, "The bus accident in Akhnoor is heart-rending. I condole the loss of lives and pray to the almighty to give the bereaved families the strength to bear the irreparable loss. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The administration is providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families and is also extending medical facilities to those who have been injured".

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The administration is carrying out a rescue operation and the injured have been taken to the local hospital in Akhnoor. The critically injured people have been shifted to Government Medical College Jammu. The NDRF and SDRF is carrying out a massive rescue operation and the injured are being treated.

According to the officials, there is a likelihood that the death toll will increase.