Ten Injured As Passenger Bus Overturns In Udhampur, Vehicle Leaves Road, Traffic Diverted, Officials Respond

Udhampur, India— The bus left the road and went over. Ten people were injured Monday when a passenger bus departed the roadway and overturned in Udhampur. The crash shut a section of the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

The accident happened around 8:30 a.m. near Tikri, about 25 kilometers from Udhampur town. The bus was on its way from Jammu to Doda. Police said the driver lost control on a curve. The bus hit the shoulder, then tipped onto its side in a drain.

Locals were first on the scene. They broke windows and pulled passengers out. An off-duty policeman passing by called for backup. Ten injured were taken to District Hospital Udhampur. Two were later referred to Jammu for advanced care.

"The road was wet and visibility was low due to rain," a senior traffic police officer said. "Preliminary inquiry suggests the driver tried to avoid a pothole filled with water. The vehicle skidded and overturned."

The bus was carrying 28 passengers. Many were laborers and students. One passenger said luggage fell on people when the bus turned. Another said the bus was overcrowded. That claim is under verification. The vehicle has been seized for mechanical inspection.

Traffic was stopped for three hours. The National Highways Authority brought a crane to lift the bus. Oil had spilled on the road. Workers spread sand to prevent further skids. Police regulated vehicles one by one after clearance.

Residents said this curve has seen multiple accidents. They have asked for crash barriers and warning signs. The administration said a team from the Public Works Department would inspect the spot. Rain has damaged several patches of the highway this month.

The district administration announced ex-gratia relief for the injured. The driver is in custody and his statement was recorded. A case was registered. Weather officials said more rain is expected.

The highway was fully reopened by evening but police said driving remains risky.