India: At least 12 dead, several injured in bus accident in Poonch area of Jammu
Mini-bus accident
In India,at least 12peoplewere killed and over a dozen wereinjured in an accident after a passenger bus fellinto a gorge in the Poonch area of Jammu. Reports suggested that an overloaded minibus skidded off the road and fell into a very deep gorge early morning in the Poonch district. Five people are critically injured and they areairlifted to the government hospital in Jammu.
Officials said the accident occurred near the Brari Ballah Sawjian area after the driver of the bus bearing number JK12-1419 lost control. The Bus skidded off the road and rolled several hundred meters into the gorge. Jammu and Kashmir’s LG Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the incident and announced ex gratia relief.
"Saddened by loss of lives due to a road accident in Sawjian, Poonch. Condolences to bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Rs. 5 lakhs would be given to the next of kin of deceased. Directed Police and Civil authorities to provide best possible treatment to the injured," said LG Manoj Sinha.
The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti also expressed shock over the incident. "Shocked to hear about the unfortunate accident at Sawajian Mandi in Poonch. Deepest condolences to the grieving families & prayers for the injured," said Mehbooba Mufti.
Soon after the accident, locals, police and the army rushed to the spot and launched a massive rescue operation. Those who are injured have been shifted to the hospital.
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