Tragedy struck in Akhnur, Jammu district, as a bus carrying pilgrims plunged into a deep ditch, killing at least 21 people and injuring 47 others. The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 pm local time on Thursday.

The bus, which had started its journey from Uttar Pradesh, was transporting devotees from Kurukshetra in Haryana to Shiv Khori in the Pouni area of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir. The vehicle veered off the Jammu-Rajouri highway at Tungi-Mode Poonch in the Chowki Chora belt of Jammu district and fell about 150 feet into a ditch.

According to eyewitness accounts from injured passengers, the accident occurred when the bus driver was negotiating a curve on the highway. A speeding car suddenly appeared from the opposite direction, leading to the catastrophic fall.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha visited the accident site and expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic incident. He confirmed that a rescue operation is underway to aid those affected.

A police spokesperson reported that seven of the injured have been admitted to Akhnur Hospital, while 40 others were taken to Jammu Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital. Many of the injured are in critical condition, prompting urgent medical attention.

The cause of the accident is under investigation, with authorities focusing on the circumstances that led to the bus veering off the road. The LG has assured that all necessary assistance will be provided to the victims and their families during this difficult time.

This tragic accident underscores the ongoing challenges of road safety in the region, especially on the often-treacherous highways of Jammu and Kashmir. The local government has called for a thorough review of road safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.