JAMMU,  A minibus plummeted into a river gorge in northern India Monday, killing at least 30 people, authorities said.

The accident occurred when the bus skidded off a road on a sharp curve in hilly terrain and fell about 500 feet into Chenab River near Bandarkot village in Kishtwar district, about 145 miles from Jammu, Thaindian News reported.

The news agency said the minibus was designed to carry 20 people but was carrying at least 35 people.

Police said the bus was carrying mostly government employees, including 15 teachers, who were on their way from Kishtwar to Chhatroo.

Various political parties and government functionaries have expressed grief over Kishtwar mishap which claimed 30 lives on Monday.

Governor, N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives in the road accident. The chief minister issued instructions to the administration to do whatever is required to provide specialized treatment to the injured in the accident.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Patron, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and party President Mahbooba Mufti in a statement expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in the road mishap.

In a statement, PDP leaders said the “treacherous roads” in the mountainous districts of Doda and Kishtwar have become a death-trap for the unsuspecting commuters. 

The PDP leaders including Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Tariq Hameed Karra and Syed Basharat Bukhari while expressing sympathies with the families of the victims have called for immediate relief for the next of the kin.
In his condolence message, National Conference president, Omar Abdullah called on the authorities to take up measures to prevent such mishaps in future.

Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand and other cabinet members including Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Education and Public Enterprises Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats Ali Mohammad Sagar also expressed grief over the accident.

Hurriyat Conference in a condolence resolution expressed sorrow over the loss of life in the accident. Chairman Salvation Movement Zaffar Akber Bhat expressed sympathies with the bereaved families. Mahaz e Azadi and Jammu Kashmir People’s League have also expressed grief over the incident.

Entry Filed under: Delhi