Driver killed, 17 injured as bus carrying pilgrims falls into gorge near Jammu

“The bus skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge near Manda police check post. It seems the driver failed to negotiate a sharp curve,” said a police officer from Pucca Danga police station.

“A rescue operation has been launched,” he added.

Chief minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the accident and lauded the rescue teams and officials for their prompt and commendable effort.

The bus, bearing registration number UK-07PA-5640, was on its way to Delhi and the accident took place near Manda, nearly eight kilometres from the Jammu bus stand, the officials said.