A catastrophic bus accident occurred on November 15, 2023, in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, resulting in many casualties.
The incident left 39 individuals dead and 17 injured when a passenger bus fell off a mountainous road.
Situated approximately 124 miles from Srinagar in the mountainous region of Kashmir, the accident involved a bus traveling from Kishtwar town to Jammu city. The bus, which had a capacity of 42 seats, skidded off the Batote-Kishtwar national highway and plummeted nearly 600 feet into a gorge.
Early reports indicate the driver might have been at fault, potentially hitting a crash barrier.
Immediately after the accident, locals and emergency services began rescue efforts. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, with some in critical condition being prepared for air transfer to Jammu city for specialized treatment.
The bus was reportedly carrying over 50 passengers, suggesting overcrowding as a possible factor in the accident. Police are conducting an investigation, considering aspects like overcrowding and high speed as potential causes.
This event is the latest in a series of bus accidents in India, shedding light on the ongoing issues of road safety and vehicle maintenance. Other recent accidents in Kerala and on the Chennai-Bengaluru highway on November 11 have also led to losses of life and injuries.
In response to these incidents, the Indian government and regional authorities are likely to reevaluate and improve safety standards to reduce the likelihood of similar accidents in the future. Indian Prime Minister Modi announced compensation of about $2,400 to each of the victims’ families and about $600 for each of the injured.
