Udhampur, April 20, 2026: In a heartbreaking road mishap, a passenger bus skidded off the road at a sharp curve in the Khagote area of Ramnagar in Udhampur district on Monday, resulting in at least 20 deaths and injuries to over 30 passengers. The bus was en route from Ramnagar to Udhampur when the accident occurred.
According to initial reports, the vehicle lost control on the hilly stretch of the Ramnagar-Udhampur highway near Khagote (also referred to as Kagote or Kanote in some accounts) and plunged into a gorge or fell off the road. Rescue teams, police, and local residents immediately rushed to the spot and launched a massive operation to pull out the trapped passengers. The injured were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Udhampur and other nearby facilities for urgent treatment.
Death toll figures have been varying in early reports, with some sources initially mentioning 12 to 16 fatalities, later climbing to 20 as more details emerged. Over 30 passengers sustained injuries, some of them critical. Heart-wrenching scenes were witnessed at the accident site as rescue workers and locals helped shift the injured.
Senior police officials, including the Deputy Inspector General of J&K Police, visited the spot. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary indications point to the sharp curve and possible overspeeding or mechanical failure as contributing factors, though official confirmation is awaited.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the region, with political leaders and public figures expressing condolences.
Local residents have highlighted the recurring danger on this stretch of the highway due to poor road conditions and sharp bends, demanding immediate safety measures and better maintenance.
Further updates on the exact number of casualties, identity of victims, and compensation details are expected as the rescue and investigation progresses.
Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and the injured. May the departed souls rest in peace, and may the injured recover soon.
