On May 30, 2024, a devastating bus accident occurred near Chungi Morh on the Jammu-Poonch highway, resulting in the tragic deaths of 21 passengers and injuries to approximately 47 others. The bus, traveling from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh to the Shiv Khori yatra in Reasi district, veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Jammu’s Akhnoor area. The vehicle covered a distance of around 200 meters as it rolled down, leading to severe damage and multiple casualties.
Rescue Operations and Medical Response
The J&K Police promptly initiated rescue operations, shifting the bodies of the 21 deceased passengers to the Sub District Hospital (SDH), Akhnoor. Of the injured, seven were admitted to SDH Akhnoor and 40 others to the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu. The rescue efforts were swift, involving both police personnel and civilians, to ensure the survivors received immediate medical attention.
Statements from Officials
President and Prime Minister’s Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her profound sorrow over the tragic incident, extending her deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his grief and announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakhs for the families of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
J&K lieutenant-governor i’s Response
J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha described the accident as heart-rending, offering his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. He assured that all possible assistance would be provided to the bereaved families and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.
Eyewitness Accounts and Initial Reports
Initial reports indicate that among the deceased were eight women and two children, highlighting the tragic loss of innocent lives. Eyewitnesses at the scene described the horrifying moments as the bus skidded off the road and plunged into the gorge. The impact of the fall left the bus badly mangled, complicating the rescue operation. Rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the steep terrain and the wreckage’s condition. The bus’s severe damage meant that accessing the injured and deceased was particularly difficult, requiring specialized equipment and extensive coordination.
Emergency responders had to navigate the rugged landscape, which further hindered their efforts to reach the victims quickly. The local community and bystanders also played a crucial role, assisting the professional teams in the arduous task of rescuing survivors and retrieving bodies. The scene was described as chaotic and heart-wrenching, with rescue workers racing against time to save as many lives as possible.
In the aftermath of the crash, the J&K Police confirmed that the bodies of the deceased had been moved to the Sub District Hospital (SDH) in Akhnoor, while the injured were transported to nearby medical facilities for urgent care. Despite the swift response, the scale of the accident and the challenging environment made the rescue operation an uphill battle. This tragic event underscores the need for improved safety measures and emergency preparedness on such treacherous routes.
Preventive Measures and Safety Recommendations
In light of this tragic incident, it is imperative to revisit and reinforce road safety measures, particularly on highways prone to accidents. The following recommendations aim to enhance safety and prevent such accidents in the future:
- Regular Maintenance and Safety Checks: Ensure that all buses undergo thorough maintenance and safety checks before embarking on long journeys.
- Driver Training and Certification: Implement stringent training programs and certification processes for bus drivers to handle high-risk routes effectively.
- Road Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrade and maintain road infrastructure, including guardrails and warning signs, to mitigate accident risks.
- Emergency Response Training: Equip and train local communities and authorities in emergency response techniques to handle accidents promptly.
Conclusion
The tragic bus accident in Jammu has left a deep impact on the community and the nation. It serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for rigorous preventive measures. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the injured, as we strive to ensure that such incidents are averted in the future
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