Udhampur, 21 October (H.S.): Two persons were killed and 17 others injured after a passenger bus skidded off a road and plunged into a deep gorge in a remote area in Udhampur district.

According to the sources a bus bearing registration number JKO2AL-3477, was travelling from Pechound to Ramnagar and the accident occurred at Gulli Gala at around 8:30 am, Local village volunteers immediately launched a rescue operation following the accident and shifted 19 injured passengers to nearby Public Health Centre (PHC) Basantgarh.

After first aid, the injured were shifted to Ramnagar Sub District Hospital, where a woman and a six-year-old girl succumbed to injuries, the officials said.

They said the condition of four more injured persons was stated to be critical and they have been referred to Udhampur district hospital for specialized treatment.

MLA Sunil Bhardwaj visited the Ramnagar Hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured passengers, He expressed concern over the condition of the road where the accident occurred and emphasised the need for its upgradation to ensure safer travel for commuters.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening healthcare facilities in the constituency to ensure timely medical assistance and better treatment for people, particularly during emergencies.

After the accident local’s villagers protest against the worst condition of the PMGSY road. The protestors raised slogans against the PMGSY department and appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attention these poor villagers.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh spoke to Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Ananth Dwivedi, after receiving information about the accident. He said all necessary assistance was being provided and that his office was in constant touch with the district administration.

The Deceased identified as Takshika, (4) Daughter of Rakesh Kumar, of Chatari, Tehsil Basantgarh, Sunita Devi (24) wife of Kuldeep Kumar of Pachound, Dudu.

The injured persons identified as Swita Devi (31) wife of Rakesh Kumar of Chatari, Hartik, (7) son of Kewal Kumar of Chatari, Vivhan, (8) son of Rakesh Kumar of Chatari, Shiv Dev Singh (24), son of Desh Raj of Pachound, Dudu, Rohit Kumar (15) son of Rattan Lal of Gandh top, Navneet Singh (15) son of Ravi Kumar of Pachound, Dudu, Rattan Chand (50) son of Waziru of Bhagar, Latti, Ankit Kumar (2) son of Kuldeep Kumar of Pachound, Dudu, Ravi Kumar (47) son of Pars Ram of Pachound, Dudu, Neelma Devi (50) wife of Rattan Chand of Bhagar, Latti, Ashyiana Devi (9) Daughter of Bittu Kumar of Pachound, Dudu, Kaviainsh (7) son of Bittu Kumar Pachound, Dudu, Arti Devi (16) Daughter of Bittu Kumar, Karav (8) son of Bittu Kumar, Rajan Davghtra (18) son of Rattan Lal, of Pachound, Dudu. Ankit (17) son of Chuni Lal of Pachound, Dudu, Sulekha Devi (33) wife of Bittu Kumar of Pachound, Dudu and where Eleven of them were referred to District Hospital Udhampur in view of their critical condition. Ramnagar police have registered a case and launched the investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar