Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday expressed grief over the tragic road accident at Manda, in which the driver of a bus carrying pilgrims lost his life and many passengers were injured.
A driver from Himachal Pradesh was killed, and at least 17 people were injured when a bus returning from the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine skidded off the road and plunged into a 30-foot gorge near Jammu.
In a post on X, LG Sinha wrote, “The road accident at Manda in Jammu is saddening. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of the driver who lost his life. I hope that the injured recover at the earliest. I have directed the senior officials to extend all possible help to the injured pilgrims.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief over the accident and lauded the rescue teams and officials for their swift and commendable efforts.
He, in his post on X, wrote, “Deeply saddened by the bus accident at Manda, carrying pilgrims from Katra to Delhi. My heartfelt condolences to the family of the driver who lost his life in this tragic incident. Thankfully, all injured passengers are stable and receiving medical care. Wishing them a swift recovery. Grateful to the rescue teams and officials for their prompt and commendable efforts. My office is in touch with the concerned authorities.”
Also read: J&K CM holds pubic 'darbar' in Ganderbal
The bus, bearing registration number UK-07PA-5640, was on its way to Delhi when the accident took place near Manda, nearly eight kilometres from the Jammu bus stand, officials said.
A rescue operation was launched soon after the driver lost control while negotiating a curve, causing the bus to plunge into the gorge.
All 17 injured passengers were rescued and evacuated to the Government Medical College Hospital, where their condition was stated to be “stable,” officials said.
However, the driver of the bus died on the spot. His body was later retrieved from the scene by a joint team of police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Traffic police and fire and emergency services personnel undertook a strenuous rescue operation lasting more than two hours, officials added.
The deceased was identified as Rakesh, whose body has been shifted to the GMC Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.
The injured pilgrims hail from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, officials said.
Also read: J&K: First e-FIR complaint lodged via WhatsApp
Follow us
