At least 21 people, including women and children, were killed and dozens injured in a tragic road accident in Indian-Held Kashmir. The incident took place near Kanot village in Udhampur district when a passenger bus lost control while negotiating a sharp turn and fell into a deep gorge.
According to local authorities, the 42-seat bus was carrying more than 60 passengers, exceeding its capacity, and was traveling from Ramnagar to Udhampur. Eyewitnesses and officials said the bus collided with an auto-rickshaw on a dangerous bend before skidding off the road and falling nearly 100 feet into the gorge. Nineteen people died on the spot, while two more succumbed to injuries in hospital.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue officials said 45 injured passengers have been shifted to nearby health facilities and the district hospital, where several are reported to be in critical condition. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further due to the severity of injuries.
Concerns Over Road Safety in the Region
Road accidents remain a major concern in India and its administered regions, with thousands of fatalities reported annually. Experts cite speeding, poor road conditions in hilly areas, vehicle overloading, and weak enforcement of traffic laws as key contributing factors.
