Jammu, Oct 21 (IANS) At least two passengers were killed and 15 others injured on Wednesday in a road accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district. Officials said the accident happened after a bus went out of the driver’s control, skidded off the road and then dropped into a deep gorge in the district.The bus was on its way from Poichound to Ramnagar when the accident occurred at Gulli Gala at around 8 a.m. Officials said locals started a rescue operation immediately after the accident.They shifted 17 passengers to a primary health centre in Basantgarh. After first aid, all the injured passengers were shifted to Ramnagar hospital, where a woman and a 6-year old girl succumbed to critical injuries.The condition of six injured passengers is reported to be critical, and they have been shifted to the Udhampur district hospital, officials added.Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha offered condolences to the bereaved families and ordered the officials to ensure the best medical treatment for the injured."Distressed to learn about the loss of lives due to a tragic bus accident in Ramnagar, Udhampur. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have directed the District Administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families and ensure the best possible treatment to those who have been injured in the accident," the L-G wrote on X.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic passenger bus accident. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and assistance to the injured.The Chief Minister’s Office is in constant touch with the concerned authorities and is closely monitoring the situation, X post from the CMO said.Earlier in the day, the Minister of State (PMO) and Lok Sabha member from Kathua-Udhampur constituency, Dr Jitendra Singh, posted on X earlier that he had spoken to the Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Ananth Dwivedi, after receiving information about the accident. He said all necessary assistance was being provided and that his office was in constant touch with the district administration.

/IANS