Srinagar, Aug 22 :
In the remote and rugged terrain of Leh’s Durbuk area, a tragic accident claimed the lives of six people and left 22 others injured when a bus skidded off a mountain road and fell into a 200-feet-deep gorge on Wednesday, according to local officials. The bus was ferrying staff of a local school to a wedding celebration when it veered off the narrow road, plunging into the gorge below. The Durbuk area, located at an altitude of over 14,000 feet, is known for its treacherous roads that wind through steep, rocky landscapes, making driving hazardous, especially during the monsoon season.
Leh’s Deputy Commissioner Santosh Sukhadeve, who confirmed the details of the accident, noted that the district administration and police quickly mobilised rescue teams to the site. “It was a challenging operation due to the difficult terrain, but we were able to retrieve the injured and transport them to a local hospital for initial treatment,” he said.
The severity of the injuries prompted authorities to deploy helicopters for the swift transfer of the 22 injured passengers to Leh’s SNM Hospital and an army hospital. “Two of the injured are in critical condition,” Sukhadeve added.
The Durbuk region, located about 170 kilometres east of Leh town, is a strategic area near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The narrow and winding roads, coupled with the high altitude and harsh weather conditions, make travel perilous.
Authorities assured through investigation of the exact cause of the accident, and measures are being taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. “Our deepest condolences to their families. The administration is offering full support as they cope with the aftermath of this incident. Meanwhile, the exact cause of the accident will be investigated to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated in the future,” Sukhadeve said.
Meanwhile, political activist Sajjad Kargili took to social media to express his deep sorrow over the recent tragic bus accident.
In his X post, Kargili extended his condolences to the families of the victims during this difficult time. “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident at Durbuk, Leh, where a bus en route to eastern Ladakh met with an accident, claiming six lives and leaving many others injured,” he wrote.
He also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured, adding, “My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims during this difficult time. Praying for the swift recovery of those injured.Allah reham kare. Ameen.”
As many as seven people were killed and 20 were injured after a school bus carrying 27 passengers lost control and fell in a 200-metre deep gorge near Durbuk, Ladakh on Thursday, officials said.
According to the Indian Army officials, “Today at around 1105 hr, a school bus carrying 27 passengers lost control and fell in a gorge approx 5 Km near Durbuk, Ladakh. The accident was noticed by troops deployed in the area who immediately rushed to the accident site and evacuated the victims.”
The army stated that all 27 people (including 06 fatal) were initially evacuated to a nearby Military Hospital and Primary Health Centre at Tangste.
“They were subsequently evacuated by air (14 Sorties by military ALH and Cheetal Helicopters) to the Military Hospital at Leh. Post initial exam and treatment 20 cases were sent to SNM Hospital, Leh and one casualty with spine injury was retained in Military Hospital, Leh for MRI and further treatment. Fatal – 07 ( 06 initial and 1 post evacuation in SNM Hospital) Injured – 20 (3 x Children and 17 Females),” it added.
