A bus carrying 37 personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and two Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel fell into the gorge between Chandanwari and Pahalgam, according to a police official, prompting a massive rescue operation. The death toll is seven, with eight personnel critically injured. 

“Seven of our jawans have lost their lives in the accident. Eight jawans with serious injuries have been airlifted to Srinagar for medical treatment, others are being treated at a hospital in Anantnag,” SL Thaosen, Director General, Indo-Tibetan Border Police stated.

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According to Ranbeer Singh, Deputy Inspector General at Anantnag, the service members who were critically injured in the Pahalgam bus accident were flown to 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar.

Jammu and Kashmir’s lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha sent his condolences to the grieving families of the ITBP personnel who had passed away. “We are devastated by the bus accident close to Chandanwari, which claimed the lives of our valiant ITBP personnel. My condolences to the families of the deceased, and my prayers are with the injured for a quick recovery. The injured personnel are receiving all the assistance they could possibly need”, Lt. Governor Sinha stated as per Zee News.

Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, also tweeted his condolences for the tragic incident and wished for the quick recovery of those hurt.

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Teams from disaster management have been dispatched right away to start the rescue effort.

An ITBP official was quoted by ANI as saying, “We are in touch with local administration and teams of disaster management have been rushed to the site for rescue operation.”

The incident has caused President Droupadi Murmu grief, and she has sent her condolences to the victim’s family.

“The tragic loss of precious lives of ITBP personnel in the unfortunate accident at Anantnag, J&K fills me with sadness. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” President Murmu stated.