Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident involving a passenger bus travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur.
In a condolence message, the Chief Minister extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. He assured that the government stands firmly with the victims and their families in this hour of grief, and that all necessary assistance is being extended to ensure proper medical care and support.
The Chief Minister’s Office is in constant touch with the Government Medical College Udhampur, where the injured are receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, the district administration has been directed to expedite rescue operations. Instructions have also been issued to the Minister for Health and Medical Education and the Minister for Transport to ensure all required assistance is provided.
Several people were killed and scores were injured after the passenger bus met with an accident near the Jalo area on the Ramnagar–Udhampur route this morning. The bus was on its way from Ramnagar to Udhampur when it met with the accident under circumstances yet to be ascertained.
Later, Omar Abdullah announced immediate ex-gratia relief from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. An assistance of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 to persons with minor injuries.
He said that while no amount of financial aid can compensate for the irreparable loss of lives, the relief is being extended as an immediate measure to support affected families.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the accident. Conveying condolences to the bereaved families, he prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
He assured that the administration is extending all necessary medical care and support to the affected families.
Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo expressed deep anguish over the incident and directed emergency medical response. She instructed the Government Medical College Jammu and the Government Medical College Udhampur to keep emergency services on high alert, ensure prompt patient admissions, and deploy dedicated teams of doctors and trauma specialists for round-the-clock care.
She emphasised that all necessary medical facilities must be extended free of cost on priority.