JAMMU, JULY 13: Two passengers were killed and 25 others injured on Saturday as a mini bus skidded off the road and fell into a 200-ft deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.
At least nine seriousky injured have been admitted to Government Medical College Hospital in Doda.
The ill-fated vehicle was on way from Bhalesa to Thathri at that time,
According to Doda Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh, mechanical failure is reported to have led to the accident.
There were total 36 people including two children in the vehicle, he said.
“While the exact cause of accident will be revealed in the inquiry, we shall appreciate the presence of mind of the driver as the accident could have been more fatal if the vehicle had gone into the gorge with more speed,” he added.
Meanwhile, union minister Dr Jitendra Singh in a tweet on X said that he has spoken to DC Doda after learning about the tragic accident.
Pointing out that rescue teams are on the job, he while expressing condolences to the bereaved families said that all possible assistance is being given provided to the injured.
The Democratic Progressive Azad Party chairman and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, on X said “Sad to hear about the road accident in Bhalessa, Doda Distt. Two lives lost and 27 injured. Road mishaps in Chenab Valley are increasing due to poor road conditions, leading to frequent major accidents”.
“Request Hon’ble LG to take a meeting with senior officers of PWD and Traffic Police. Traffic management needs urgent improvement. Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the injured,” he added.
