At least 10 people have lost their lives, and 13 others sustained injuries when a bus fell into a deep ravine in Kotli, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir. The accident occurred on Sunday night when the bus, carrying 35 passengers, was navigating a sharp turn in the mountainous terrain of the Kotli district. The passengers were returning to Gujranwala after attending a Urs ceremony in the Nairian area near Kotli. The driver’s attempt to negotiate the treacherous road resulted in the tragic incident, leaving 10 individuals dead on the spot, while 13 others were injured.
Rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene and transported the deceased and injured to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Mirpur. However, rescue sources have expressed concerns that the death toll may rise further as some of the injured victims are in critical condition.
In another report, it is revealed that at least 13 people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries as the bus plunged into a ravine near Jarai village, located at the border of Kotli and Mirpur in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred at approximately 1 AM when the bus, carrying around 30 passengers, was returning from the Urs ceremony in Nairiyan Shareef. The driver’s unfamiliarity with the area led to the tragic accident.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kotli, Riaz Mughal, stated that the accident occurred due to the negligence of the driver. The road’s sharp turn and the driver’s lack of familiarity caused the bus to lose control and fall into the ravine. The authorities have booked the driver under sections 320 and 337-G of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertain to the punishment for negligent driving and causing harm due to rash or negligent driving.
Following the incident, a significant number of Jamia students rushed to the hospital to donate blood to the victims, showcasing solidarity and support for those affected by the tragedy.
The local police station was promptly alerted about the accident, leading to the swift response of the police and Rescue 1122 personnel from both Kotli and Mirpur. The injured victims, some of whom were critically wounded, were immediately shifted to the Divisional Headquarters Hospital in Mirpur for medical treatment.
While investigations into the accident continue, it is evident that the driver’s lack of familiarity with the area and the treacherous road conditions played a significant role in the tragedy. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of driver competence and adherence to safety measures, particularly when navigating challenging terrains.
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The loss of lives and injuries in this bus accident have left a profound impact on the local community and beyond. The authorities are working diligently to provide necessary medical care to the injured and extend support to the families of the victims. As the investigation progresses, it is crucial for measures to be implemented to prevent similar accidents in the future, including driver training programs, improved road signage, and enhanced safety protocols for public transportation.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for continuous efforts to ensure the well-being and protection of all travelers. As the affected families grieve their losses and the injured victims recover, the community joins together in offering condolences and support during this difficult time.
