Template:Infobox public transit accident
On 15 November 2023, 39 people died and 17 more were injured when the driver of a passenger bus lost control and the vehicle plunged into a Template:Convert deep gorge in the hilly area of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir.[1][2][3]
Crash
The bus, which had registration number JK02CN-6555, was carrying 54 passengers, a driver and a conductor, when it plunged from the Batote-Kishtwar national highway near Trungal-Assar and fell Template:Convert down a gorge. The bus landed on a disused road, Template:Convert from Rajgarh.[4][5] The bus was over its 38 passenger capacity, which may have contributed to the driver being unable to negotiate the tight turn.[3]
Rescue
Soon after the incident, Ababeel and Al-Khair Organisation volunteers, along with locals, initiated the rescue operation.[6] They were later joined by the police, SDRF, and other government rescue agencies. Indian Air Force helicopters were called for airlifting the critically wounded.[7]
Responses
Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement expressing distress and extended condolences to the families. He announced compensation payments of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for each victim and Rs. 50,000 for the injured.[8] Home Minister Amit Shah shared anguish over the loss of lives, conveyed condolences to the families, and acknowledged the ongoing rescue operations by local administration.[9] Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed sorrow and offered condolences to the bereaved families. He directed the division commissioner and district administrator to provide assistance.[9]
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti conveyed shock and sadness, offering condolences. She urged expedited rescue operations by the administration.[9] DPAP Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad emphasized the need for improved road infrastructure and urged support for affected families. He called on Sinha to ensure that necessary assistance is provided.[9]
References
- ↑ 37 killed, 19 hurt as bus falls into gorge in J&K's Doda: Officials. Business standard(15 November 2023). Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ↑ 39 killed, 17 injured as bus falls into deep gorge in JK's Doda; PM announces ex-gratia. The Times of India(15 November 2023). Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 38 killed, 17 injured in J&K as bus plunges into 400-ft gorge. The Indian Express(2023-11-15). Retrieved 2023-11-18.
- ↑ 36 killed as bus falls into gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district. The Indian Express(15 November 2023). Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ↑ 36 killed as bus falls into gorge in J&K's Doda district. The Hindu(15 November 2023). Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ↑ Locals blame 'dilapidated' roads for mishaps. The Tribune (India)(16 November 2023). Retrieved 19 November 2023.
- ↑ Measures initiated by administration after Doda bus accident: Seriously injured airlifted to Jammu in IAF choppers. The Tribune (India)(17 November 2023). Retrieved 19 November 2023.
- ↑ Jammu Bus Accident: 36 Dead, Many Injured as Vehicle Falls into Chenab River Gorge in Doda; PM Modi Declares ₹2 Lakh Ex-Gratia. Free Press Journal. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Doda Bus Accident Toll Reaches 39 as Three More Succumb. The Chenab Times(15 November 2023). Retrieved 17 November 2023.
Template:Road incidents in 2023 Template:Disasters in India in 2023