A tragic bus accident in the Ghani Mendhar area of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, has resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a soldier, and left forty-three others injured. The incident occurred around 9:20 AM when a bus, bearing registration number JK02AX-1671, lost control while traveling from Ghani to Mendhar and rolled down into a gorge.
According to officials, the bus was en route to Mendhar when the driver lost control, leading to the devastating accident. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle turned turtle before plunging into the gorge along the roadside. Rescue operations were quickly initiated by local police, the army, and community members, who rushed to the scene to assist the victims.
The Deputy Commissioner of Poonch, who also chairs the District Road Safety Committee, announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹1 lakh for the families of each deceased victim, which will be disbursed from the Road Safety Victim Fund. The deceased have been identified as Noor Hussain, 60, Muhammad Majied, 45, Shakeela Begum, 55, and Muhammad Hanief, 50. Among them, Muhammad Majied was serving in the 41 Assam Rifles.
Medical officials reported that two of the injured were declared dead upon arrival at the Sub-District Hospital in Mendhar, where a total of forty-seven passengers were treated. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Parvez Ahmed Khan stated that of the forty-five patients admitted, eleven were referred to GMC Associated Hospital in Rajouri. Tragically, two of those admitted succumbed to their injuries, raising the total death toll to four.
Dr. Shamim Ahmed, Medical Superintendent at GMC Associated Hospital Rajouri, confirmed that fifteen injured patients were received at their facility, with five being referred to higher medical centers for specialized care. A dedicated team of doctors has been providing the best possible medical aid to those under treatment.
In the wake of this tragedy, Mian Altaf Ahmed, a Member of Parliament from the National Conference, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives. In a statement, he conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and emphasized the need for the administration to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. "Sad to know about the tragic road accident in Mendhar Poonch which claimed four human lives besides leaving many injured. My heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, and my prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls and the speedy recovery of the injured,” he stated.
The police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, and legal proceedings are underway. The district administration has extended its condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of all necessary assistance during this difficult time.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in the region, particularly in areas near the Line of Control (LoC) where such accidents have become increasingly common. Local authorities are urged to take proactive measures to improve road conditions and ensure the safety of passengers traveling on these routes.
The community is coming together to support the victims and their families, with many expressing their shock and grief over the incident. As the rescue operations continue, the focus remains on providing adequate medical care to those injured and supporting the families who have lost their loved ones.
As the investigation unfolds, officials are expected to review the safety protocols in place for public transport vehicles in the area. The hope is that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting necessary reforms to enhance road safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the meantime, the families of the victims are left to mourn their losses, with the community rallying around them in solidarity. The impact of this accident will be felt for a long time, as it serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.
