7 dead, 20 injured as bus plunges into gorge in Ladakh

LEH — At least seven persons died and 20 others were injured after a bus they were travelling in met with an accident and plunged into a 200-metre-deep gorge at Durbuk area of Leh in Ladakh Union Territory.

An unnamed official, quoted by the news agency KNO, said that the bus, carrying staff members of a school to a wedding function, plunged into a gorge in the Durbuk area.

“Seven passengers died and 20 others were injured when a private bus travelling from Leh to Eastern Ladakh fell into a 200-metre-deep gorge,” he said, adding that the injured have been shifted to hospital.

He said three choppers, including those from the Army and Indian Air Force (IAF), were used for the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, an army spokesperson in a statement said, “In a swift and compassionate response, Indian Army personnel deployed near Durbuk, Ladakh, rendered crucial assistance following a tragic accident involving a civilian school bus today at approximately 11 am. The bus, carrying 27 passengers, lost control and plunged into a gorge approximately 5 kilometres from Durbuk.”

The accident was promptly noticed by the Indian Army troops in the vicinity, who immediately rushed to the scene and initiated the evacuation of the victims, the statement said.

The spokesperson added, “Demonstrating remarkable efficiency and care, the soldiers quickly transported all 27 casualties to nearby medical facilities. The injured were initially evacuated to the Military Hospital and Primary Health Centre at Tangste, where they received urgent medical attention.”

Recognising the severity of the injuries, the Indian Army employed its aviation assets, conducting 14 sorties using Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Cheetal Helicopters to airlift the casualties to the Military Hospital in Leh, the defence spokesperson said, adding that following an initial examination and treatment, 20 of the injured were transferred to Sonam Norbu Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh for specialised care.

Providing an update on the casualties, the spokesperson said one individual with a spinal injury has been retained at the Military Hospital in Leh for an MRI and further treatment.

“There are 7 fatalities, 6 initially, with one additional fatality reported post-evacuation at SNM Hospital; and 20 injured, including 3 children and 17 females,” he said.

“The humane actions of the Army personnel saved lives and provided much-needed relief to those affected by this tragic accident,” the spokesperson added.