21 killed in Udhampur bus tragedy; probe ordered, relief efforts continue

Pained to hear about the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.

An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 20, 2026

Eyewitnesses said the accident took place near Kagrot village in Ramnagar subdivision when the driver of bus No. JK-14D-212 lost control while negotiating a U-turn at the highest point of a hilly road. As it rolled down 100 metres, the bus hit a three-wheeler, injuring two people.

While 19 people died on the spot, two more critically injured persons succumbed at Udhampur District Hospital, taking the toll to 21, officials said.

“A bus en route from Ramnagar to Udhampur lost control while negotiating a hilly stretch, plunged down the slope, and crushed an auto-rickshaw upon landing upside down on the road below. Fifteen passengers were found dead at the scene, while four others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital,” said Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma.

The casualties could have been higher as the bus turned turtle in the gorge, officials said. An Army convoy passing through the area and carrying a crane immediately joined rescue efforts, eyewitnesses said, adding that personnel moved down within minutes and turned the vehicle on its side.

A soldier leading the convoy from Udhampur said the vehicle fell from a height of nearly 100 metres.

“We immediately secured the area and launched the rescue operation, thus saving many precious lives including those of men and women with great difficulty,” he added.

The bus was reduced to a mangled heap, making it extremely difficult for rescuers to extricate victims.

Local residents extended significant help during the rescue. Police teams, including the Senior Superintendent of Police, SHO Ramnagar, and other officers, reached the spot.

DIG Sharma expressed grief over the incident, saying “we stand in solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones. Jammu and Kashmir Police stand with them in this hour of grief.” He said Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti are monitoring the situation over the phone.

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and injured, directing authorities to provide immediate relief and support.

In a post on X, the Lt Governor said, “Tragic road accident in Udhampur is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to bereaved families. May God grant them strength. Praying for a speedy recovery of the injured.” He said he had directed the district administration, police, the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and health department to provide every possible assistance.

Tragic road accident in Udhampur is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to bereaved families. May God grant them strength. Praying for speedy recovery of injured. I have directed district admin, Police, SDRF & Health Dept to provide every possible assistance to those affected.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) April 20, 2026

The Chief Minister extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, “The government stands firmly with the victims and their families in this hour of grief, and that all necessary assistance is being extended.”

Chief Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident involving a passenger bus travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The Chief Minister affirmed that…

— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) April 20, 2026

Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also expressed grief.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic Udhampur-Ramnagar bus accident. Condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” she said in a post on X.

J-K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra urged authorities to provide immediate relief, proper medical care, and necessary support to affected families.

Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he spoke to Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Minga Sherpa following the accident, adding that arrangements were being made to airlift the seriously injured.

“Just now spoke to DC Udhampur, Minga Sherpa after learning about a tragic road accident, less than an hour ago, at village Kanote, involving a public transport bus on way from Ramnagar to Udhampur.

“The rescue operation has been immediately undertaken. Heavy casualties are expected. All possible assistance is being provided. The injured will be shifted for medical aid. Arrangements being made to airlift the seriously injured,” the minister said in a post on X.

Singh said he is in constant touch with the local administration as well as the BJP local workers’ team involved in the rescue operation.