At least 30 persons were killed and 22 others injured when a bus they were travelling in skidded off and rolled down into 300-feet deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday (November 15, 2023).

Police said that a passenger bus met with an accident and it rolled into a deep gorge near Trungal-Assar on Batote-Kishtwar national highway in Doda district.

So far, police said, that 30 bodies have been recovered while 22 are injured, including some seriously.

Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh confirmed about the accident.

Rescue operation is in progress while the exact details about casualties are being ascertained, said police.

Indian PM Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the incident and posted on X: "The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest."

"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured," he said.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh posted on X, "saddened to share the update from DC #Doda Harvinder Singh from the spot of the accident. The injured are being shifted to GMC Doda and GMC #Jammu as per requirement.

All possible help being provided. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families."

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in an official communique issued by the Raj Bhawan has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda today.

(With UNI inputs)