A speeding bus crashed into a gorge on Wednesday in the Trangul (Assar) area of Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, causing nineteen injuries and at least thirty-six fatalities. Along the Doda-Batote national highway, the tragic incident happened about 4 km before Rajgarh. Sliding off the road, the bus fell 400 feet onto an old, deserted road while traveling from Kishtwar to Jammu.
Image Source: The Indian Express
Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh of the Doda delivered the somber news after touring the scene of the incident. “Saddened to share the update from DC #Doda Harvinder Singh from the spot of the accident,” wrote Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, on social media in response to the tragic news. Regretfully, there have been 19 injuries and 36 fatalities, with six of those injuries being serious.”
After receiving medical attention, the injured victims are being moved to government medical colleges in Jammu and Doda. Assuring the impacted that all assistance is being given, Jitendra Singh offered his deepest sympathies to the families who had lost a loved one.
Manoj Sinha mourns bus tragedy, probes cause; urges road safety
Manoj Sinha, the lieutenant governor, expressed shock and sadness over the tragic event. “Deeply saddened by the deaths in a horrific bus accident in Assar,” he posted on Facebook. “My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families & wishing for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.” He immediately instructed the district administration and the divisional commissioner to provide the impacted individuals with all necessary support.
Because of the accident, which has left a cloud over the area, authorities have begun looking into what caused the bus to plunge. In the wake of this horrifying event, the community will probably be scrutinizing road safety and the state of the national highway.
This disaster serves as a sobering reminder of how vulnerable transportation networks are, particularly in hilly areas where driving can be difficult and accidents are more likely. The Doda district’s topography, which is made up of twisting roads and steep slopes, makes it more difficult to ensure safe and secure travel.
Tragedy prompts road safety scrutiny; focus on recovery support
Following this tragedy, concerns about road maintenance and the safety precautions taken to avoid similar incidents might surface. The emphasis might move to how authorities ensure that the transportation infrastructure operates as intended, including through routine maintenance, inspections, and the application of safety regulations.
This accident has consequences that go beyond the immediate death toll. The wounded must travel a difficult and protracted road to recovery, and families are left in mourning. The community has suffered a great deal psychologically, so in the days ahead, efforts to offer counseling and emotional support may be vital.
Urgent road safety measures needed; praise for coordinated response
Comprehensive efforts to improve road safety are urgently needed, especially in areas with difficult topography, as the country grieves the lives lost in this tragic incident. Policymakers might be prompted by this incident to review and tighten safety regulations on national highways, thereby preventing more tragedies of this nature.
To help the affected families during this difficult time, local and federal authorities should be commended for their coordinated efforts, the community’s fortitude, and the emergency services’ quick response. Along with support, sympathy, and a shared hope for a safer transportation future, the country joins the people of Doda in navigating through this difficult time.
