Doda bus accident: At least 36 people died after a bus rolled down a gorge in the Assar area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda District. A bus with registration number JK02CN-6555 skidded off the road near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway and fell 300 feet downhill, carrying around 40 passengers, officials said as reported by news agency PTI.
Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh took to microblogging site X and confirmed that 36 people were killed. The Union Minister also added that the injured are being shifted to District Hospital Kistwar and Government Medical College Doda.
Prime Minister offered condolences to families of victims in Doda bus accident and announced ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condoled the loss of lives. Taking to X, Mufti wrote, “Deeply shocked & saddened about the tragic road accident at Assar in Doda. Deepest condolences to the families of those feared dead & hope the administration expedites rescue operations.”
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also took to X and wrote, “Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families & wishing for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons.”