Jammu, Feb 24 – A bus carrying pilgrims from Mata Vaishno Devi shrine met with a tragic accident near Manda, around 8 km from the Jammu bus stand, on Saturday evening. The vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a 30-foot-deep gorge, killing the driver and injuring 17 passengers, officials said.
Rescue Operation and Casualties
- The bus, UK-07PA-5640, was en route to Delhi when the accident occurred.
- The driver, identified as Rakesh from Himachal Pradesh, died on the spot. His body was retrieved after a two-hour rescue operation conducted by the police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), traffic police, and fire services.
- The injured passengers, hailing from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, were rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital. Their condition is stable, officials confirmed.
CM Omar Abdullah Expresses Grief
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended condolences to the driver’s family and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
- “Deeply saddened by the bus accident at Manda. My heartfelt condolences to the family of the driver. Thankfully, all injured passengers are stable and receiving medical care. Grateful to the rescue teams for their commendable efforts,” he posted on X.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident while ensuring medical aid for the injured.
