Society News

Overcrowded bus plunges into a gorge in Kashmir's Udhampur, killing 21

At least 21 people were killed on Monday morning, April 20, when a crowded private bus fell into a gorge in the Ramnagar area of Udhampur district, in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The bus was travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur.

Al Jazeera, citing the Associated Press, said the 42-seat bus was carrying more than 60 people when it hit an autorickshaw at a sharp mountain curve and plunged about 30 metres. A civil administrator, Prem Singh, said 19 people died at the scene and two in hospital; about 45 others were hurt. The Tribune, an Indian daily, put the number on board at 63, mostly college students and office-goers, and the injured at 42. It said officials blamed a sharp curve the driver could not negotiate and a burst tyre, and that the bus rolled about 100 metres, crushing an autorickshaw whose 15 occupants were all injured. An Army convoy passing by led the rescue.

“Pained to hear about the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Udhampur.” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, via The Tribune

How each outlet framed it

• Al Jazeera — overcrowding, and India's high road death rate blamed on reckless driving, poor roads and old vehicles.
• The Tribune — the mechanics of the crash, survivors' claims the late-running bus was speeding, and compensation.
• News On AIR — the chief minister's response two days later.

Where the numbers differ: about 45 injured in the AP count, 42 in The Tribune's; a fall of 30 metres versus a roll of 100 metres.

What happened next: On April 22, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah linked the crash to negligence, citing early findings of lapses by the bus operator, and promised strict action once an inquiry reports, News On AIR said. Modi announced Rs 2 lakh for each victim's family.