Doda bus tragedy: 36 dead, many injured

In a tragic incident, a bus accident occurred in the Baggar area of Trungal, Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, around noon on Wednesday. An uncontrolled bus plunged into a 300-foot-deep gorge, resulting in the unfortunate loss of nearly 36 lives and leaving several others injured. The bus, en route from Kishtwar to Jammu, was carrying approximately 55 passengers.
Local residents and authorities were quick to respond, and the police were alerted immediately. The injured were rushed to the GMC Doda for medical attention, with some reported to be in critical condition. As the gravity of the situation unfolded, the death toll may increase. Unfortunately, two of the injured, en route to GMC Jammu, lost their lives on the way, while efforts were underway to save others.
Preliminary reports suggest that the accident occurred due to overtaking, with three buses travelling together, leading to a tragic chain of events. A thorough investigation is being conducted by the police into the matter.
National leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. President Murmu conveyed her condolences, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the unfortunate death of several passengers in a bus accident in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. I express my condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Prime Minister Modi said, “The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest.” He announced an ex gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, expressed his deep sorrow and directed local authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families. Several other political leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Mehbooba Mufti, Farooq Abdullah, and Omar Abdullah, also expressed their grief over the tragic incident.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration assured financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to the injured. Urgent rescue and relief operations are ongoing, and the administration has set up helpline numbers for accurate information and assistance.
In the midst of this unfortunate incident, the entire nation stands in solidarity with the affected families, and efforts are being made to ensure the best possible care and support for those affected by the Doda bus accident.