Ramban/Jammu, Oct 3: One tourist was killed and 56 people, including nine security personnel, were injured in two separate road accidents within half an hour on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district on Saturday, officials said.
The first accident occurred around 8.50 am when a Srinagar-to-Jammu passenger bus carrying tourists from West Bengal collided with a hillside after its driver lost control near Maroog. A woman passenger was killed and 47 others were injured in the mishap.
The deceased was identified as Jamuna, a resident of West Bengal. The group was returning after a holiday in Kashmir, officials said. Four injured passengers—Suchitra, Lakshwanti, Kedar Patra and Fouji Ram—were referred to Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu, while the remaining injured were stated to be stable.
Soon after receiving information about the bus accident, a Quick Reaction Team comprising police and CRPF personnel was rushed from District Police Lines, Ramban, to assist in the rescue operation.
However, the security vehicle overturned near Kela Morh, injuring six police personnel and three CRPF jawans. All the injured security personnel were reported to be stable.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of life and assured the best possible medical treatment for the seriously injured.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also spoke to Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and said all possible assistance and medical aid were being provided.