Rajouri, June 8: At least 15 passengers were injured on Monday after a canter bus skidded off the road in the Tandwal area of Rajouri district, triggering a major rescue operation and causing temporary disruption on the Jammu–Rajouri–Poonch National Highway.
Officials said the vehicle was carrying passengers when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the bus to veer off the road. The impact left several occupants injured, with panic gripping passengers and locals in the vicinity.
Soon after the accident, police teams, local residents, and emergency responders rushed to the scene and launched rescue efforts. The injured were evacuated from the vehicle and shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Health officials said most of the injured sustained minor to moderate injuries, while some were kept under observation as a precautionary measure.
Authorities have registered a case and started an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle skidded before leaving the roadway, though factors such as road conditions, mechanical failure, or driver error are being examined
The mishap led to a brief traffic disruption on the strategic Jammu–Rajouri–Poonch National Highway, a vital road link connecting several districts in the Pir Panjal region. Traffic was later restored after the damaged vehicle was removed from the spot.
Road accidents remain a matter of concern in the hilly districts of Jammu and Kashmir, where sharp curves, steep slopes, and unpredictable weather often pose challenges for motorists. Authorities have once again appealed to drivers to maintain safe speeds and follow traffic regulations to prevent such incidents.
Further details are awaited as officials continue their investigation into the accident.
