14 dead, 18 injured as bus plunges into gorge in Udhampur district

At least 14 people were killed and 18 others injured after a passenger bus plunged into a gorge in Udhampur district on Monday.

The accident occurred near Kanote village when the bus, travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur, lost control while negotiating a sharp turn and rolled down a steep gorge. Officials said the vehicle fell nearly 100 feet before landing on a lower road.

Rescue operations were launched immediately by local authorities, with the injured being shifted to Government Medical College Udhampur for treatment.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he spoke to Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa soon after the incident and assured all possible assistance. He added that arrangements were being made to airlift critically injured patients.

Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the tragedy and directed the district administration, police, SDRF and health departments to provide full support to those affected.

Authorities are continuing rescue efforts, while the injured are being treated and bodies of the deceased are being recovered.