2023 Doda bus accident | |
---|---|
Details | |
Date | 15 November 2023 11:50 IST |
Location | Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir |
Coordinates | 33°07′39″N 75°24′23″E / 33.12750°N 75.40639°E |
Country | India |
Operator | Private bus |
Incident type | Bus plunge |
Statistics | |
Bus | 1 |
Passengers | 54 |
Crew | 2 |
Deaths | 39 |
Injured | 17 |
Damage | Bus |
On 15 November 2023, 39 people died and 17 more were injured when the driver of a passenger bus lost control and the vehicle plunged into a 300–400 ft (91–122 m) deep gorge in the hilly area of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir.[1][2][3]
The bus, which had registration number JK02CN-6555, was carrying 54 passengers, a driver and a conductor, when it plunged from the Batote-Kishtwar national highway near Trungal-Assar and fell 300–400 feet (91–122 metres) down a gorge. The bus landed on a disused road, 2.5 miles (4 km) from Rajgarh.[4][5] The bus was over its 38 passenger capacity, which may have contributed to the driver being unable to negotiate the tight turn.[3]
Soon after the incident, Ababeel and Al-Khair Organisation volunteers, along with locals, initiated the rescue operation.[6] They were later joined by the police, SDRF, and other government rescue agencies. Indian Air Force helicopters were called for airlifting the critically wounded.[7]
Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement expressing distress and extended condolences to the families. He announced compensation payments of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for each victim and Rs. 50,000 for the injured.[8] Home Minister Amit Shah shared anguish over the loss of lives, conveyed condolences to the families, and acknowledged the ongoing rescue operations by local administration.[9] Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed sorrow and offered condolences to the bereaved families. He directed the division commissioner and district administrator to provide assistance.[9]
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti conveyed shock and sadness, offering condolences. She urged expedited rescue operations by the administration.[9] DPAP Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad emphasized the need for improved road infrastructure and urged support for affected families. He called on Sinha to ensure that necessary assistance is provided.[9]