Tragedy in Poonch, Soldier among 4 dead as bus plunges into Mendher gorge

Over 40 Injured in Devastating Road Accident; Lt Governor and Chief Minister Express Grief, Urge Swift Relief Measures

JJ Toseef R Ganai
Mendhar, Jammu, May 6: In a heart-rending tragedy, a private passenger bus skidded off a mountainous road and plunged into a deep gorge in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including a soldier, and injuries to 44 others. The mishap occurred on Tuesday morning, casting a pall of grief over the serene Mendhar region.
The ill-fated vehicle was en route from Ghani village to Mendhar when, at approximately 9:20 a.m., the driver reportedly lost control on a sharp bend, causing the bus to veer off the road and tumble into the steep ravine. Eyewitnesses recounted a harrowing scene as local residents sprang into action, launching an impromptu rescue operation. They were soon joined by personnel from the Army, police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who worked tirelessly to retrieve the victims and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
The deceased have been identified as Mohd Majeed (45), a soldier home on leave from his posting in Assam; Shakeela Begum (55); Mohd Haneef (50), both residents of Ghani village; and Noor Hussain (60) of Kasblari. Majeed and Hussain were declared dead at the scene, while Begum and Haneef succumbed to their injuries at Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Rajouri.
Seven of the injured remain in critical condition. Dr. Ashfaq Choudhary, the Block Medical Officer of Mendhar, stated that five patients with life-threatening injuries were immediately referred to the Government Medical College in Jammu for advanced care. “We mobilised all 15 ambulances upon receiving the alert. The coordinated efforts of the Army, CRPF, police, and local volunteers were instrumental in the swift evacuation of the injured,” he added. The calamity prompted expressions of deep sorrow from the region’s highest offices. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha conveyed his condolences, stating, “Pained by the loss of lives due to the tragic road accident in Poonch. My heartfelt thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed the sentiment and announced immediate measures to support the victims. “Heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Directions have been issued to ensure the best medical care and full support to the affected. I have asked Minister Javed Rana to visit the accident site and oversee the relief operations,” he posted on X.
Minister and Mendhar MLA Javed Ahmad Rana, upon learning of the tragedy, left immediately for the site. “Deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident… I have instructed the Divisional Commissioner Jammu to ensure prompt aid, including the airlifting of the critically injured to GMC Jammu. The Jammu and Kashmir Government stands committed to extending all necessary assistance,” he affirmed via a post on X.
As the affected families grapple with their losses, the entire region mourns the lives cut short by this devastating incident, underscoring once again the perils of travel on the treacherous mountain roads of Jammu and Kashmir.