Srinagar, Apr 12: Two girl students were killed and 25 others sustained injuries, some of them critically, when a bus carrying students of Government Degree College (GDC) Handwara met with an accident in the Vadpora area of Kupwara district on Saturday.
The ill-fated college bus was on its way to Srinagar when the mishap occurred. According to officials, 27 students were onboard when the vehicle lost control, resulting in a devastating crash.
A formal case has been registered to ascertain the cause of the accident. “One student, Asia Rahid, died on the spot, while another, Mymoona Akhtar, succumbed to her injuries at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar,” said an official.
The remaining 25 injured students were rushed to nearby health facilities and later referred to various hospitals, including SMHS Srinagar, for specialized treatment. Hospital sources reported that some students are in critical condition and are under constant medical supervision.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, rushed to the GMC Handwara, where injured persons were taken. She monitored the situation and directed the hospital authorities to ensure proper treatment and care of the injured for their speedy recovery.
Ayushi expressed her deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families who lost their dear ones in the unfortunate accident.
Talking to media persons, the DC said that an investigation in the matter is going on and an FIR has been registered.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Handwara, Javed Naseem Masoodi also visited the road accident victims at District Hospital Handwara and took stock of the situation.
He interacted with the injured students and hospital staff and directed the hospital administration for the best possible medical care for the speedy recovery of the injured. He expressed deep regret over the incident and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his deep anguish over the tragic bus accident at Handwara in which two young students lost their lives and some were injured.
LG conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed to the Almighty to give the bereaved families the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The Lieutenant Governor has posted on X: “The news of the death of two young students in the Handwara College Bus accident is extremely heartbreaking. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved family members. Praying for the early recovery of the injured”.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed profound grief over the tragic road accident near Handwara this morning, which claimed the lives of two students from Government Degree College (GDC) Sogam.
“The loss of two young, promising students in this unfortunate incident is a tragedy that weighs heavily on all of us. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this hour of immense grief. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. We are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring all necessary assistance,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a post on X.
Acting on the Chief Minister’s directions, Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, along with Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar, visited Handwara Hospital to oversee the treatment of the injured students.
The Advisor and Minister interacted with doctors and medical staff, directing the hospital administration to ensure quality care and close monitoring of the patients’ recovery.
Earlier, Advisor Wani also visited SMHS Hospital Srinagar, where some of the injured students had been shifted for specialized treatment. He reviewed the medical arrangements, spoke with healthcare professionals, and emphasized the need for uninterrupted and effective medical attention.
Later in the day, Minister Javaid Dar and Advisor Wani also visited the residences of the deceased students to personally offer condolences to the bereaved families.
The Chief Minister has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs1 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased students, Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 for students with minor injuries, as part of immediate government support.
Advisor to the Chief Minister confirmed that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to probe the circumstances surrounding the accident. “Preliminary findings will be shared in due course,” he said.