2 dead, 56 wounded in Udhampur mishap

UDHAMPUR — Two persons were killed while 56 others were injured after a bus carrying marriage party guests met with an accident at Ramnagar area of Udhampur on Thursday, officials said.

Chief Medical Officer Udhampur, Dr Vijay Basnotra, as per the news agency Kashmir News Observer, said that two persons were brought dead to the hospital while 56 injured are undergoing treatment.

“The bus skidded off the road and plunged into a 130 feet deep roadside gorge at Majodi,” a police official said.

The bus was carrying marriage party guests from Gundia village of Ramnagar, said the official, adding the accident was caused due to overspeeding.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha expressed deep pain over the loss of lives in the accident.

“Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to a tragic road accident in Ramnagar, Udhampur. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Directed the district administration to ensure the best possible treatment to the injured,” Office of LG J&K said.

It added, “An ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh each will be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the tragic bus accident in Udhampur. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000 each and UT Govt to bear the cost of their treatment.”