Udhampur bus accident kills 2, injures 15 after vehicle plunges into gorge
Synopsis
A passenger bus lost control and plunged into a deep gorge at Gulli Gala in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, killing a woman and a 6-year-old girl and leaving six others in critical condition. Both the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister have intervened directly, with district authorities on high alert.
Key Takeaways
A bus travelling from Poichound to Ramnagar skidded off the road at Gulli Gala, Udhampur at around 8 am on 21 October 2026 .
Two passengers — a woman and a 6-year-old girl — died after succumbing to critical injuries at Ramnagar hospital .
15 passengers were injured; six remain in critical condition and have been shifted to Udhampur district hospital .
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed the district administration to provide all necessary assistance and best medical treatment.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed condolences and directed authorities to ensure prompt care; the CMO is actively monitoring the situation.
Dr Jitendra Singh , MoS PMO and local Lok Sabha member, confirmed he spoke with Deputy Commissioner Ananth Dwivedi and that relief operations are under way.
At least two passengers were killed and 15 others injured on Wednesday, 21 October after a bus skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. The accident, which occurred at Gulli Gala at around 8 am, has prompted condolences from the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister, with district authorities mobilised for relief operations.
How the Accident Unfolded
The bus was travelling from Poichound to Ramnagar when the driver lost control of the vehicle, which skidded and fell into a deep gorge at Gulli Gala. Locals at the scene launched a rescue operation immediately, shifting all 17 passengers to a primary health centre in Basantgarh for initial treatment.
After first aid, the injured were transferred to Ramnagar hospital, where a woman and a 6-year-old girl succumbed to their critical injuries. Six of the remaining injured are reported to be in critical condition and have since been moved to Udhampur district hospital for advanced care.
Government Response
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the tragedy and directed district officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the survivors. In a post on X, Sinha wrote: '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.'
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep sorrow over the accident, extending condolences to the bereaved families and directing authorities to ensure prompt medical care. According to an X post from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the CMO is in constant contact with concerned officials and is closely monitoring the situation.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (PMO) and Lok Sabha member from the Kathua-Udhampur constituency, said he had spoken with Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Ananth Dwivedi after learning of the accident. He confirmed that all necessary assistance was being provided and that his office remained in continuous contact with the district administration.
Scale of Casualties and Ongoing Treatment
Of the 17 passengers hospitalised, two have died and six remain critical. The remaining injured are being treated at Ramnagar hospital. Authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on the condition of all individuals as of Wednesday morning. The district administration is continuing relief operations under the direct oversight of the L-G's office.
Road Safety Context
The Udhampur-Ramnagar stretch passes through mountainous terrain with a history of road incidents, particularly in the autumn months when weather conditions can affect road surfaces. This is one of several road accidents reported in Jammu and Kashmir's hilly districts in recent weeks, raising fresh questions about vehicle fitness checks and road maintenance protocols on vulnerable mountain routes.
Point of View
However swift, are not a substitute for systemic action. Udhampur's hilly corridors have seen recurring bus accidents, yet vehicle fitness enforcement and road safety audits on these stretches remain inconsistent. The speed with which the L-G and CM responded on social media is notable — but the six passengers still in critical condition will be the real measure of the administration's follow-through on its promises of 'best possible treatment.'
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Udhampur bus accident on 21 October 2026?
A passenger bus travelling from Poichound to Ramnagar lost control and plunged into a deep gorge at Gulli Gala in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, at around 8 am on 21 October 2026. Two passengers — a woman and a 6-year-old girl — died of critical injuries, and 15 others were injured.
Who are the victims of the Udhampur bus accident?
A woman and a 6-year-old girl died after succumbing to critical injuries at Ramnagar hospital. Six of the remaining injured are in critical condition and have been shifted to Udhampur district hospital; the others are being treated at Ramnagar hospital.
How did authorities respond to the Udhampur accident?
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed the district administration to provide all necessary assistance and best medical treatment. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed condolences and directed authorities to ensure prompt care, while MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed he contacted Deputy Commissioner Ananth Dwivedi to oversee relief.
Where exactly did the Udhampur bus accident occur?
The accident occurred at Gulli Gala on the Poichound-to-Ramnagar route in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. The bus skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge at that location.
What is the current condition of the injured passengers?
Six of the injured are in critical condition and have been moved to Udhampur district hospital for specialised care. The remaining injured are being treated at Ramnagar hospital; officials have not yet issued a full status update on all patients.
