Tragic Bus Accident Near Jammu Claims Driver's Life, Injures Several Pilgrims

A bus returning from Mata Vaishno Devi shrine plunged into a gorge near Jammu, killing the driver and injuring 17 pilgrims. Prompt rescue teams managed to save the injured, who are now stable. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences and praised the swift rescue efforts.

A bus carrying pilgrims from the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine veered off the road and fell into a 30-foot gorge near Jammu on Saturday evening, resulting in the driver's death and injuring 17 other passengers, officials reported.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed sadness over the accident, commending the rescue teams for their timely and effective response.

The injured passengers, hailing from several states, were quickly moved to the Government Medical College Hospital, where they are reportedly in stable condition. The driver, identified as Rakesh, died on the spot, and his body was recovered after a challenging two-hour operation by the rescue teams.

(With inputs from agencies.)