As many as eight people have lost their lives and several others were injured after a mini bus fell into a gorge near Thatri in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. “Eight persons dead, several injured as a mini bus travelling from Thathri to Doda fell into a gorge. Rescue operation underway,” said the Doda Additional Superintendent of Police. Meanwhile, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that he has spoken to Vikas Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Doda regarding the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each from PM National Relief Fund to the next of kin of those killed in the bus accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Thatri. The PM has also announced Rs 50,000 each to those who sustained injuries.
“The injured have been shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda. Whatever further assistance required will be provided,” said the Union Minister. The Indian Air Force (IAF) MI 17 has started the evacuation operation on Thursday. According to the Jammu, PRO Defence the IAF evacuated 7 critical accident victims from Doda and landed in Jammu. A request was received by IAF from the Jammu Divisional Commissioner for air evacuation of critically injured in a bus accident in Doda district to Jammu airfield, the press statement said. IAF MI 17 helicopter from Jammu captained by Squadron Leader Ganesh Prasad Honakuppe led the evacuation operation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences to the families of eight people who lost their lives in the road accident on Thursday. He further said that he had a telephonic conversation with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha about the incident and the administration is providing all the possible help and treatment to the injured. “Saddened by the road accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda. I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this. I have talked to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the administration is providing all possible help and treatment to the injured. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Home Minister tweeted.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh each to the next of kin of victims (NoKs) of the Doda road accident. The LG further assured that he is monitoring the situation and stated that every possible assistance would be extended to the families of the deceased as well as those injured. “J&K Govt to ensure treatment of injured in tragic Doda road mishap. Rs 2 Lakh to be given to NoKs of deceased from LG’s discretionary fund and Rs 1 Lakh from Road victim fund as immediate relief. I’m monitoring the situation and every possible assistance to grieving families will be extended,” Sinha said in a tweet.