12 killed, 27 injured in Poonch road accident

President, PM, LG, J&K Politicians Express Grief; Ex-Gratia Announced  

JAMMU, SEPT 14 –  The death toll in the road accident when a bus plunged into a gorge has swollen to 12 in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
However, 27 passengers also suffered injuries out of which eight critically injured were airlifted to Jammu for specialized treatment.
The bus was on its way from Gali Maidan towards Poonch this morning when it met with an accident near Brari Nallah in the Saujiyan area and fell into the gorge, police said.
They said that Army, police, and locals immediately swung into action and launched the rescue operation.
Ten persons died on the spot and two others succumbed on way to hospital, they said and added that 27 suffered injuries in the mishap.
The deceased were identified as Bashir Ahmad Lone (40), his daughter Nazima Akhter (20), Shaida Akhter (32), Razia Akhter (18), Zarina Begum (40), Mahroof Ahmad (14), Mohd Hussain (65), Imran Ahmad (6), Abdul Kareen (70) and Abdul Qayoom (40).

Meanwhile President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences.
Prime Minister Modi announced financial aid of Rs two lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the next of kin of those killed in the accident.
“Saddened by loss of lives due to a road accident in Sawjian, Poonch. Condolences to bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Rs. 5 lakh would be given to the next of kin of the deceased. Directed Police and Civil authorities to provide best possible treatment to the injured,” Sinha tweeted.
Sinha also visited District Hospital, Poonch to enquire about the health of civilians who were injured in the accident and met the relatives and doctors treating the injured.
Meanwhile, a group of people also demanded a well-equipped trauma centre during the visit of LG Manoj Sinha to the hospital.
President Murmu said, “The loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Saujiyan, Poonch is deeply distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery to the injured.” Dhankhar tweeted: “Pained to learn about the loss of lives in a bus accident in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”