Udhampur, April 20, 2026: At least 21 people were killed and around 29–45 others injured when a passenger bus rolled down a hillside into a gorge on the Ramnagar–Udhampur road in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday morning. The accident occurred around 10 a.m. near Kagort (or Kanote) village in the Ramnagar area when the bus, travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur, reportedly lost control while negotiating a blind curve on the hilly stretch.
Rescue teams, including locals, police, and security personnel, rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to hospitals. Seriously injured passengers were taken to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu for advanced treatment. Some reports indicate the death toll may have risen as critically injured victims succumbed later in hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives. He offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. He also sanctioned ₹50,000 for the injured.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy. CM Omar Abdullah announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia relief to the families of the deceased. Union Minister of State in the PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who represents the Udhampur constituency, spoke to district officials and monitored rescue and relief operations.
Authorities have ordered a probe into the cause of the accident, which appears to be linked to the challenging hilly terrain and a sharp curve.
The incident has sent shockwaves across Jammu and Kashmir, with leaders urging caution on the region’s hilly roads. Further updates on the exact number of injured and the progress of the investigation are awaited.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
