22 dead, 64 injured as bus falls into gorge in Jammu
Hindustan TimesAt least 22 pilgrims, including three minors and nine women died, and 64 others sustained injuries after a bus they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge in the Akhnoor area of Jammu district on the Jammu-Poonch national highway on Thursday, officials said. Confirming the deaths, block medical officer of Akhnoor sub-division Dr Saleem Khan said: “At least 22 are confirmed dead and 64 others have been injured.” Of the 22 dead, 16 have been identified. Rescue operations are still on.” Akhnoor station house officer Tariq Ahmed said: “The area where the accident took place has sharp curves. “An ex gratia of ₹5 lakh will be given to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured in the accident,” according to office of the J&K lieutenant governor.