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Udhampur: At least 15 people lost their lives, and around 20 others were injured after a passenger bus skidded off the road and rolled down a steep hillside in Udhampur on Monday morning, officials said, in one of the deadliest road accidents in the region in recent months.

Accident at blind curve triggers disaster.

The accident occurred around 10 am near Kagort village in the Ramnagar area, when the bus was negotiating a sharp blind curve on the hilly stretch. According to preliminary inputs, the driver is believed to have lost control while taking the turn, causing the vehicle to plunge deep into the gorge.

The bus was travelling from a remote village toward Udhampur when the mishap took place.

Locals lead initial rescue, many critically injured

In the immediate aftermath, residents were the first responders, rushing to the spot and pulling injured passengers out of the mangled wreckage. Police, medical teams and disaster response units soon reached the site and launched a coordinated rescue operation.

Officials confirmed that 15 bodies have been recovered so far, while the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise.

Centre steps in, airlift planned for serious cases

Union Minister Jitendra Singh spoke to the district administration and assured all possible assistance. He said arrangements are being made to airlift seriously injured victims for advanced medical care.

“Rescue operations have been immediately undertaken. Heavy casualties are expected. All possible assistance is being provided,” Singh said, adding that he is in constant touch with officials and local teams involved in relief efforts.

Recurring concern: fragile hill roads and safety gaps

The accident once again highlights the persistent risks on mountainous roads in Jammu & Kashmir, where narrow stretches, blind curves and difficult terrain often contribute to fatal mishaps. Overloading, vehicle condition, and lack of protective barriers are frequently cited as compounding factors in such tragedies.

Authorities have begun an investigation into the exact cause of the accident, even as rescue and relief operations continue at the site.