Published: June 24, 2009

25 Killed, 54 Injured in Kashmir Mishap

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Srinagar, June 24: At least 25 persons were killed and 54 others injured, some of them critically, when a passenger bus skidded off the road and fell into 300 ft deep deep gorge at Panthal in Jammu region of Kashmir Wednesday.

Police said that the overcrowded passenger bus bearing No JK02E-7525, which was on way from Katra to Udhampur,

rolled down at Panthal, Katra after the drive of the vehicle failed to negotiate a sharp curve.

At least 15 persons were killed on the spot and 64 others injured in the mishap. "The injured were taken to various hospitals, where 10 of the critically injured succumbed to injuries. The doctors attending on the injured have termed condition of five more injured as critical," police said.

Police have registered a case and launched investigations to ascertain the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, the pro-Indian Deputy Chief of Kashmir, Tara Chand visited enquired about the treatment being extended to injured persons admitted in the hospitals. He also issued instructions to provide the requisite medicare facilities to the injured.

He also ordered an inquiry into the accident that led to loss of 25 precious human lives. He said that government is contemplating to add a fleet of 30 buses to SRTC to cater the needs of hilly areas. He also issued instructions to the transport authorities to implement Motor Vehicles Act strictly and curb use of mobile phones while driving.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.