JAMMU, Nov 24: At least 16 people have been killed and dozens others injured after a bus carrying wedding guests rolled down into a deep gorge, police say.
The bus, carrying 50 people to Dudu Basantgarh, about 110 km north of winter capital Jammu, skidded off the road and rolled down 300 feet into the gorge in Udhampur district.
Twelve people were killed on the spot while 38 others, including the bridegroom, were injured.
The police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units immediately started the rescue operation.
“There are chances of the toll rising,” said the officer.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives.
Mountainous roads in Jammu region are notorious for road accidents. They are mostly attributed to over?loading of passenger buses, poor maintenance of vehicles, and shabby road conditions coupled with lack of skills to drive in mountainous conditions.
(IANS)
