Udhampur bus accident: 21 people died, Chief Minister assured action, announced compensation

Rajouri/Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and property in a road accident in Udhampur district and assured action against the culprits after ascertaining the reasons for the incident. The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of each deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those seriously injured and Rs 25,000 to those slightly injured in the accident. On Monday, a passenger bus fell down a hill on the Ramnagar-Udhampur route, killing 21 people and injuring 29 others.

The bus collided with an auto-rickshaw before falling down the hill and then overturned and fell down. “The reasons for this incident will be ascertained, where was the negligence and if any action is necessary, we will take it,” Omar told reporters. “On my own behalf and on behalf of my colleagues, I express my deepest sorrow. We express our condolences to the victims and join them in their grief and suffering,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that no amount of financial assistance can compensate for the irreparable loss of life and property caused in this tragic incident, yet immediate relief is being provided to help the affected families. Omar reiterated that the government stands strongly with the victims and assured all possible assistance to the affected. The Chief Minister’s Office is in constant touch with the Government Medical College and Hospital located in Udhampur. Treatment of the injured is continuing in this hospital. Officials said that the district administration has been instructed to speed up the rescue and relief operations.