Udhampur bus tragedy: Omar warns against lax safety norms as rash driving, overloading under scanner

Two days after the horrific road accident in the Ramnagar area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warned officers against showing any laxity in checking rash driving and overloading in commercial vehicles, especially in hilly areas.

In one of the most tragic road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir, 21 passengers were killed and 62 others injured when an overloaded private passenger bus, bearing registration number JK14D-2121, skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge at Kaghote village near Ramnagar in Udhampur district on Monday morning.

Seventeen passengers died on the spot, while four others succumbed to their injuries on the way to Udhampur hospital. Two of the injured have been referred to GMC Jammu, while another has been shifted to Military Hospital Udhampur due to their critical condition.

Although an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the accident has been ordered, preliminary investigations into the Ramnagar bus tragedy indicate that overloading and rash, negligent driving were the primary causes.

Quoting eyewitnesses, initial reports suggest that the driver of the ill-fated bus was driving at high speed and in a reckless manner. He reportedly lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a sharp curve, causing the bus to overturn and plunge down the slope.

The latest incident has once again brought into focus the alarming trend of rash driving and overspeeding, which continue to be the leading causes of fatal road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to official data shared by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari, the Union Territory recorded 28,510 road accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 4,031 deaths.

Overspeeding alone accounted for the overwhelming majority of these fatalities. Of the total 4,031 deaths reported during the five-year period, as many as 3,956 were attributed to overspeeding. Similarly, out of 28,510 accidents, 27,195 were linked to excessive speed.

Chief Minister visits GMC Udhampur to inquire about injured

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Government Medical College (GMC) Udhampur to inquire about the health of those injured in the tragic road accident that occurred earlier this week. He interacted with the injured and their families and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care with round-the-clock monitoring.

Assuring full support to the affected families, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for stringent measures to prevent such accidents in the future. He later chaired a review meeting to assess both the treatment being provided to the injured and the overall functioning of GMC Udhampur. The meeting was informed about the preliminary causes of the accident and the status of the ongoing investigation.

Expressing concern over road safety, the Chief Minister directed the Transport Department to ensure adequate frequency of buses on various routes and to strictly curb overloading. “Do not show any laxity on these issues,” he asserted.

On the occasion, officials apprised the Chief Minister of the relief being extended under the Road Accident Victim Fund, which includes financial assistance of ₹1 lakh in case of death, ₹75,000 for permanent disability, ₹50,000 for grievous injuries, and ₹10,000 for minor injuries.

Soon after the tragedy, the Chief Minister announced immediate relief from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, with an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased, ₹1 lakh to those seriously injured, and ₹25,000 to those who sustained minor injuries in the accident.

As reported earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday ordered a thorough probe into the incident, assuring strict action if any negligence is found.

“We will find out how this accident happened and where any lapse occurred. If any action is required from the government, we will certainly take it,” Omar told media persons in Nowshera, Rajouri, on Monday.

He assured that the government stands firmly with the victims and their families in this hour of grief and that all necessary assistance is being extended to ensure proper medical care and support for the affected.