Thirty-three tourists from West Bengal suffered injuries today when a sleeper bus overturned on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Ramban. The bus, registered as WB39K-2929, was en route from Srinagar to Jammu.
The unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours, prompting immediate action from local residents and police, who launched a swift rescue operation. They transported the injured to the District Hospital in Ramban for medical treatment.
Sources reported that the bus has a seating capacity of 58 passengers, but it was carrying 55 individuals at the time of the accident. This high occupancy raised concerns regarding the bus’s safety standards.
Eyewitnesses described seeing the bus veer off the road before rolling over. Panic ensued among the passengers, many of whom faced injuries, though none have been reported as life-threatening.
The local police have taken cognizance of the mishap and begun an investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the accident. They are examining factors such as road conditions, bus maintenance, and driver conduct.
Authorities urge travelers to ensure their buses are in good condition and comply with safety regulations, especially on such critical routes. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is notorious for its challenging terrain, which can become hazardous during adverse weather conditions.
As inquiries progress, officials are committed to providing support to the injured tourists and their families. “We are taking this matter very seriously, and our priority is to understand what led to this unfortunate incident,” stated a police spokesperson.
The state government is also expected to review safety protocols on transportation services to prevent future occurrences. Tourists are advised to choose reputable travel services that prioritize passenger safety.
