CRPF BUS FALLS INTO VALLEY IN UDHAMPUR, 3 DEAD AND 15 INJURED
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A tragic road accident in the hilly terrain of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of three people and left 15 others injured when a bus carrying Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel plunged into a deep gorge near Basantgarh. The incident occurred on a narrow mountain road, and preliminary reports suggest that the vehicle may have lost control before skidding off the road.
The accident took place on Friday morning, shocking the local population and prompting swift rescue measures. According to officials, the CRPF bus was on its way to a designated post when it met with the accident. The force of the fall caused extensive damage to the vehicle, making the rescue process challenging for first responders.
Immediately after the incident, local police, CRPF teams, and villagers rushed to the scene to assist the injured. Emergency services, including ambulances from nearby health centers, were deployed quickly to transfer the injured personnel to the district hospital in Udhampur. Some critically injured were later shifted to Jammu for specialized treatment.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, expressed deep shock and grief over the tragedy. In his official statement, he conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the injured would receive the best possible medical care. “My prayers are with those who lost their loved ones, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” he said.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who represents Udhampur constituency, also expressed sorrow over the incident. He immediately instructed officials to expedite rescue and relief operations, keeping a close watch on the treatment of the injured. Singh said that he had spoken to district authorities and assured all assistance from the central government.
While the exact cause of the accident is still being investigated, initial reports indicate that the bus might have encountered mechanical issues or skidded due to road conditions. The Basantgarh area, known for its steep slopes and sharp turns, often poses risks for large vehicles. Monsoon rains in recent weeks may have also contributed to slippery road surfaces, raising the chances of such accidents.
Senior police officials have confirmed that a special investigation team has been formed to determine whether the mishap was due to driver error, technical failure, or inadequate road safety measures. The CRPF has also announced an internal inquiry to examine operational protocols during transportation in high-risk regions.
The accident has once again drawn attention to the persistent problem of road safety in hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite repeated calls for improved infrastructure, many interior roads remain narrow, uneven, and prone to landslides. Locals have been urging the administration to install stronger safety barriers, improve road widening projects, and enhance signage for dangerous curves.
Rescue operations in such regions are particularly challenging due to difficult access, lack of immediate medical facilities, and limited communication networks. In this case, the quick response of nearby villagers played a crucial role in preventing further casualties, as they helped pull injured personnel from the wreckage before professional rescue teams arrived.
The deceased personnel’s identities have not yet been publicly released, as authorities are in the process of informing their families. CRPF officials have assured that all necessary honors will be accorded to those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
In the wake of the incident, several political leaders and civil society members have emphasized the need for urgent road safety reforms in Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous regions. Road engineering experts have suggested measures such as installing crash barriers, regular vehicle maintenance checks, and ensuring that drivers operating in high-altitude routes receive specialized training.
For the families of the deceased, the accident is a devastating reminder of the dangers faced by security forces posted in remote and difficult terrains. While CRPF personnel are well-trained for security challenges, the unpredictable nature of mountain travel remains a constant hazard.
As the investigation progresses, the administration has promised transparency in findings and pledged that corrective steps will be taken to minimize the risk of similar tragedies in the future. For now, the focus remains on providing the best possible medical care to the injured and extending every possible support to the grieving families.
This incident underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to improve transport safety in the region, especially for security forces and civilians who traverse these dangerous roads daily. It is hoped that lessons from this tragedy will lead to stronger preventive measures and safer journeys for all who serve and live in Jammu and Kashmir’s remote areas.
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