In Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, two students were killed and 21 were injured when a college bus overturned on Saturday. The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a magistrate inquiry into the accident and announced a grace of Rs 1 lakh to the family of the deceased students. Officials said the accident occurred near the Vodpora area of Handwara, when the bus was taking 27 students of Government Degree College (GDC), Sogam to a picnic spot.
A hospital in Handwara declared a student dead. He said that two injured students were referred to a hospital in Srinagar in critical condition, where one of them died. He informed that 20 students are undergoing treatment in Handwara hospital.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief
Officials said that an FIR has been lodged and investigation has been started. At the same time, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed grief over the death of the students. The Chief Minister’s Office said in a post on X, “The death of two young students of GDC, Sogam in the tragic accident near Handwara is a tragedy, which has a profound impact on all of us.” In this hour of grief, I express deep condolences to their families. I pray for the injured to recover quickly.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences
CM Abdullah said that the government is keeping a close watch on the situation and ensuring all necessary help. Along with this, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed grief over the accident and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Sinha said on X, the news of the death of two young students in the Handwara College bus accident is very sad. My condolences in this hour of grief are with the members of the bereaved family. I pray for the injured to recover quickly.
Meet the injured in the hospital
On the instructions of the Chief Minister, his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and Minister Javed Dar met the injured at the Government Medical College Hospital in Handwara and SMHS Hospital in Srinagar. Talking to reporters after the visit, Wani said that the Chief Minister has approved an ex-gratia amount of Rs 1 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for other victims.
Magistrate inquiry also
He said that orders have also been ordered to investigate the reasons for the accident. Health and Education Minister Sakina Itu visited Kalarus and Sogam areas and expressed condolences to the families of students who lost their lives. He assured the families of all possible help from the government. Itu said, it is not only personal damage to families, but a tragic moment for the entire region. It is very sad to know the life of such a promising youth.
Prayers for the injured to be healthy
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah also expressed grief over the death and injured people. In his condolence message, Abdullah expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. He prayed that people who have lost their loved ones, they should get the power to overcome this sorrow. He also prayed for the injured to recover early.
The injured should be free treatment
The former Chief Minister urged the administration to provide adequate relief and compensation to the families affected and emphasized the importance of providing free treatment to the injured. Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq called the accident a heartbreaking and said that it is a big tragedy to kill such young, promising people who have shocked the entire community.
MLA Sajjad Loan reached the hospital
He said that such tragic accidents are reminiscent of educational visits and immediate need to ensure the safety of students during public visit. Handwara MLA Sajjad Lone visited Handwara Hospital to meet the injured students. Lone said on X, I thank doctors and paramedics who are working tirelessly. Thankfully, all the students admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Handwara are safe. I wish them to recover. Two students referred Srinagar have died. Allah should destroy them paradise.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) supremo Mehbooba Mufti also expressed grief over the loss of life and property and prayed for the early and complete health of the injured students. Altaf Bukhari, the head of his party, said that he was sad to know about this tragic road accident.