JAMMU: At least 21 persons were killed and 69 injured when a bus carrying pilgrims to Shiv Khori fell into a deep gorge near Kalidhar in Akhnoor area in the city outskirts on Thursday.
Police said that a bus bearing UP registration number, was on its way from Jammu towards Shiv Khori Shrine this afternoon. It met with an accident in Akhnoor area near Chowki Choura—Kali Dhar on Jammu-Poonch National Highway.
The driver failed to take a sharp turn and the bus rolled down into the gorge, they said.
Police, locals and the health department team on receiving the information immediately swung into action and reached the spot and launched the rescue operation.
As per the initial information, they said that 21 people have died and 69 injured, adding, “the rescue operation is still in progress and the injured persons are being shifted to Akhnoor, Chowki Chaura and Jammu GMC hospitals.”
Meanwhile Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed 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”.
