Kishtwar, July 1: At least 36 people were killed and 16 others injured when an overloaded mini-bus on Monday morning plunged into a deep gorge in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The toll according to officials may go up as some of the injured are still critical.
Reports said that a minibus (JK17-6787) on way to Kishtwar from Keshwan overturned near Sirgwari and fell into the deep gorge. Reports added that 35 people died on the spot and 17 others were injured.
Massive rescue operations were launched and injured shifted to nearby hospitals by locals and police and government forces joint team.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Angrez Singh Rana said that 36 people have died and seventeen people are injured.
He added, “Three persons have been airlifted by a Pawan Hans chopper, while 13 others shall also be airlifted by a MI17 Indian Air Force chopper for which a request has been sent to the IAF. He added further details are awaited and concerned police have taken cognizance in this regard.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in a Jammu and Kashmir bus accident on Monday, saying the incident is “heart-wrenching.”
Governor Satya Pal Malik has expressed grief over the loss of lives in a tragic minibus accident at Keshwan area of Kishtwar district.
Governor has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of the kin of the deceased and directed the administration to provide best medical treatment to the injured in the accident and wished speedy recovery to them.
