9 killed, 33 injured as bus falls into gorge in J&K; terror attack suspected

In Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, an ambush by terrorists resulted in the deaths of nine people, including a child, and injuries to 33 others. The attack took place on a bus carrying pilgrims on Sunday evening. According to officials, the driver lost control after the assault, causing the bus to fall into a deep gorge near the Shiv Khori shrine.

Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohita Sharma confirmed the details, stating, “A group of militants targeted a Yatri bus from the Ransoo area of Reasi district. Following the attack, the driver lost control, and the bus fell into a gorge near Kanda area of Pouni. This tragic accident resulted in nine fatalities and 33 injuries.”

“It is undoubtedly a terror attack. The area has been secured, and a search operation is underway,” Sharma added. She noted that the rescue operation was swift, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. The identities of the victims have yet to be confirmed, but they are believed to be from Uttar Pradesh.

The bus was transporting pilgrims from the Shiv Khori cave shrine to Katra when it was attacked in Teryath village of the Pouni area, around 6:10 PM. A police statement mentioned that the driver was struck, leading to the bus sliding into the gorge. Local villagers, along with police, managed to evacuate all passengers by 8:10 PM. The injured were transported to various hospitals, including Reasi District Hospital, CHC Treyath, and GMC in Jammu.

A coordinated operation involving the Police, Army, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been established at the scene, launching a multidimensional search to apprehend the attackers.