J-K: Army leads swift rescue after bus tragedy in Ramnagar
Ramnagar, April 20
In a prompt and coordinated humanitarian response, troops of the Indian Army rescued dozens of civilians after a tragic bus accident near Ramnagar in Udhampur district on Sunday morning.
At approximately 9:40 AM on 20 April 2026, a private bus travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur veered off the road at Village Kaghote and plunged nearly 70 feet into a gorge. The impact led to multiple casualties, with several passengers trapped inside the mangled vehicle.
Troops from a Battalion of Gorkha Rifles, who were en route to Samnabanj for training, were the first to reach the site. Displaying exceptional courage and presence of mind, they immediately launched rescue operations, evacuating trapped passengers from the wreckage under challenging terrain conditions.
An Ad-Hoc Incident Control Centre was swiftly established at the site under the Commanding Officer of a Battalion of the Dogra Regiment to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. A total of 10 Teams, comprising personnel from the Dogra Regiment and Gorkha Rifles, were mobilised for the operation.
Army personnel administered immediate first aid to the injured and ensured the rapid evacuation of all survivors. Simultaneously, coordination was undertaken with the Indian Air Force for potential air evacuation of critically injured passengers, with assets kept on standby.
Demonstrating compassion beyond the call of duty, troops also arranged food and water for the stranded passengers and responders, ensuring sustenance until complete evacuation was achieved.
According to preliminary reports, the accident has resulted in 21 fatalities and 29 injuries. Civil administration and emergency services have since taken over further medical management and investigation.
The Indian Army's swift response once again underscores its unwavering commitment to assist civil authorities and save lives during emergencies, reaffirming its role as a dependable first responder in times of crisis.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is so tragic. The terrain in that region is so challenging. Thank God the army was nearby. Their training for such emergencies really shows. Thoughts with all the injured for a speedy recovery.
Jai Hind to our soldiers! While we rightly praise them, we must also ask tough questions. Why do these private buses on treacherous routes often seem poorly maintained? The civil administration needs to enforce stricter safety checks. The army shouldn't have to keep cleaning up preventable messes.
Om Shanti. Such a terrible loss. The detail about them arranging food and water really got me. It's not just about the rescue, it's about humanity. Our army personnel have hearts of gold. 🇮🇳
Coordination with IAF on standby shows how prepared they were. This is a textbook example of disaster response. Hope the injured get the best medical care. The families will need all our support.
The roads in Udhampur-Ramnagar sector need urgent attention. Development is happening, but safety can't be an afterthought. My prayers are with the victims. And as always, thank you Indian Army for being our saviors.
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