Tragedy in Poonch: Bus Plunges into Gorge, 4 Dead and 44 Injured

Jammu (The Uttam Hindu): A devastating bus accident occurred in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuring 44 others. The private passenger bus, traveling from Ghani village to Mendhar, skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge near Sangra in the Mankot area at around 9:20 am.The deceased have been identified as Mohammad Majeed, 45, a soldier posted in Assam who was on leave; Shakeela Begum, 55, of Ghani village; and Noor Hussain, 60, of Kasbalari. Two of the deceased were pronounced dead at the scene, while the others succumbed to their injuries.

Rescue workers, including 15 ambulances, police, CRPF, Army and local volunteers, were quickly deployed to the scene to evacuate the injured. Eight of the injured are in critical condition, with five being referred to Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Jammu for specialized treatment.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of life and condolences to the families of the deceased. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Jammu and Kashmir government has assured all necessary assistance to the victims and their families. Minister Javed Ahmad Rana has directed the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu to ensure immediate assistance, including airlifting the seriously injured to GMC Jammu.

Minister Javed Ahmad Rana and Omar Abdullah have assured the public that the government will provide all possible assistance to the affected people. Rana will visit the spot to personally monitor the relief efforts, while Abdullah has requested him to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.