Bus accident in Jammu claims 21 lives, injures dozens

Tragedy struck on Thursday afternoon as a bus from Uttar Pradesh plunged into a gorge on National Highway (NH)-144A at Tungi Morh in the Kali Dhar area of Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 pilgrims and leaving nearly 40 others injured.

The bus, en route to the Shiv Khori shrine in Reasi district, met with the accident reportedly due to the poor condition of NH-144A, exacerbated by ongoing road widening work in various sections.While most injured passengers received treatment at hospitals in Chowki Choura and Akhnoor, several were referred to the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu for further medical attention.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences over the tragic incident, stating, "The bus accident in Akhnoor, Jammu is heart-rending. I condole the loss of lives and pray to the almighty to give the bereaved families the strength to bear the irreparable loss. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured."

The administration is offering support to affected families and extending medical aid to the injured.