Ramban: A tourist from West Bengal was killed and 56 persons, including nine police and CRPF personnel, were injured in two separate road accidents within half an hour on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district on Saturday, officials said.
The first accident took place at around 8:50 am near Maroog when a passenger bus bearing a West Bengal registration number and travelling from Srinagar to Jammu crashed into a hillside after the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle.
A woman passenger, identified as Jamuna, a resident of West Bengal, died in the accident, while 47 other passengers sustained injuries. The tourists were returning after a holiday in Kashmir, officials said.
Four of the injured — Suchitra, Lakshwanti, Kedar Patra and Fouji Ram — were referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu for specialised treatment. Officials said the remaining injured were stable and were being discharged after receiving medical care.
Soon after the accident, a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) comprising police and CRPF personnel was rushed from the District Police Lines, Ramban, to assist in rescue and relief operations. However, the vehicle carrying the team overturned near Kela Morh, resulting in injuries to six police personnel and three CRPF jawans.
Officials said all nine injured security personnel were stable.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of life and extended condolences to the bereaved family. In a post on X, he said he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner Ramban and directed that the seriously injured shifted to GMC Jammu be provided the best possible treatment.
“Deeply anguished by the tragic bus accident in Ramban, in which one person lost her life. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Spoke with DC Ramban to ensure best possible treatment for the seriously injured shifted to GMC Jammu. Praying for their speedy recovery,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also reviewed the situation and said all possible assistance and medical aid were being provided to the injured. He said his office was in regular touch with the district administration and monitoring the situation.
The twin accidents briefly triggered a large-scale rescue operation along the highway, with civil administration, police, CRPF and health officials coordinating relief efforts. Authorities have initiated investigations into both incidents.
