Daijiworld Media Network - Udhampur

Udhampur, Apr 20: At least 10 people were killed and several others injured after a passenger bus overturned on the Ramnagar-Udhampur highway near Kagort in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, sources said.

The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals, while rescue operations are still underway. Authorities fear the death toll may rise.

According to initial reports, the driver lost control of the vehicle near Kagort village in the Ramnagar area, causing the bus to skid off the road and overturn. Locals alleged that overspeeding may have led to the accident. The bus was reportedly travelling to Udhampur from a remote village.

Senior officials rushed to the spot, and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate has directed authorities to ensure immediate medical care for the injured. Teams at the Government Medical College hospital in Udhampur have been alerted.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh spoke to Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa and expressed grief over the incident. Singh said he is in constant touch with local authorities to monitor the situation.

“The rescue operation has been immediately undertaken. Heavy casualties are expected. All possible assistance is being provided. Arrangements are being made to airlift the seriously injured,” he said.

The incident comes a day after a similar accident in Rajouri district, where a passenger vehicle overturned on the Darhal-Rajouri road after the driver lost control, leaving at least 18 people injured. Four of them were reported to be in critical condition and were shifted to the Government Medical College hospital in Rajouri.