As many as 22 people were killed and at least 50 were injured after a bus fell into a gorge in Jammu's Akhnoor on Thursday. The bus, which was carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, was overcrowded and had over 80 passengers on board.
Officials said the bus, which was headed to the famous Shiv Khori temple in Raesi district, skidded off the Jammu-Poonch highway and fell into the gorge.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said, "The bus fell into a deep gorge. A rescue operation was initiated immediately. 22 people were found dead. The people who were injured have been taken to hospitals. An inquiry has been ordered."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the family of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
"Anguished by the loss of lives due to a bus mishap in Akhnoor. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. Rs. 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of each deceased due to the bus mishap. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi," the Prime Minister's Office posted on X.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences. "Pained beyond words to learn about the loss of lives in a bus accident in Akhnoor near Jammu. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery of the injured," she posted.
36 Killed As Bus Falls In Gorge In Uttarakhand's Almora District Army Jawan Killed, 6 Injured As Vehicle Falls Into Gorge In J&K's Kathua 6 Dead, 22 Injured As Bus Falls Into 200-Metre-Deep Gorge In Leh: Cops 3 Dead, Over 30 Cops Injured: Violence In UP's Sambhal Over Mosque Survey Autopsy Reveals Chilling Details Of Family Kidnapped, Killed In Manipur Manipur Cops Walk 3 Hours To Raze Poppy Farms, Face "90 Armed Miscreants" Married Man Kills Live-In Partner, Burns Her Body In Haryana: Cops 15-Year-Old Girl Raped By Truck Driver In Madhya Pradesh Forest: Police Eknath Shinde Elected As Leader Of Shiv Sena Legislature Party Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.