Doda bus accident: PM announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to kin of deceased

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives in the tragic bus accident in Doda and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the kin of all the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

“The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover as quickly as possible,” the Prime Minister’s Office wrote on X.

“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,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Thirty-six people were killed and 19 others injured after a bus fell into a gorge in Doda in Jammu and Kashmir today.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, in a message on

Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences and said in a statement that the local administration is actively involved in the rescue operation at the accident site.

The accident took place when the bus carrying 55 passengers, which was traveling from Kishtwar to Jammu, veered off the road and went down the steep slope near Trungal in Assar area on the highway.

“Saddened to share DC Doda Harvinder Singh’s update from the accident site. Unfortunately, 36 persons were killed and 19 injured, of whom 6 were seriously injured,” Minister Singh wrote on X.

The Union Minister said he had spoken to Doda District Commissioner Harvinder Singh and the injured are being shifted to Government Medical College Doda.

Singh said, “A helicopter service will be arranged for shifting the more injured. All possible assistance is being provided, if required. I am in constant touch.”

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives.

“Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families and wishing speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. I have directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons,” Sinha tweeted.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condoled the loss of lives in a post on X.

“Deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic road accident in Assar in Doda. My deepest condolences to the families of the feared dead and I hope the government expedites rescue operations,” Muft wrote on X.