15 Killed, 16 Injured in Bus Accident on Ramnagar–Udhampur Route; PM Announces Ex-Gratia

At least 15 persons were killed and 16 others injured after a passenger bus met with an accident near Jalo area on the Ramnagar–Udhampur route in Udhampur district on Monday, officials said.

A senior police officer said the bus was on its way from Ramnagar to Udhampur when it met with the accident under unclear circumstances. “Fifteen people have lost their lives, while 16 others are injured and have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue teams are on the spot,” the officer said.

Police and local administration teams launched a rescue operation immediately after the incident, evacuating the injured to nearby medical facilities. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Udhampur Shiv Kumar Sharma also reached the site to oversee the rescue and relief operations.

Meanwhile, Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the tragedy. In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The Prime Minister also announced ex-gratia relief from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, with ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.