7 dead, 20 injured as school bus falls into gorge in Leh

Jammu, August 22

Seven people died while 20 others were injured after a school bus they were travelling in fell into a deep gorge near the Durbuk area in Leh district of Ladakh on Thursday afternoon.

As per information, the bus driver was not able to negotiate a turn, following which the vehicle fell off the hill, causing injuries and fatalities. The Army and police immediately reached the spot and initiated the evacuation process. The area is far-off and remote from any inhabited location. An official statement read, “In a swift and compassionate response, Indian Army personnel deployed near Durbuk, Ladakh, rendered crucial assistance following a tragic accident involving a civilian school bus at approximately 11 am.”

As per reports, the bus was carrying over 27 passengers, including three children and 17 women staff members of the school. It was on its route to Durbuk to attend a wedding of a staff member when it fell into the gorge.

The injured were initially taken to a military hospital in Tangste. However, upon recognising the severity of the injuries, the Indian Army employed its aviation assets, conducting 14 sorties using Advanced Light Helicopters and Cheetal helicopters to airlift the casualties to the Military Hospital in Leh.

Following initial examination and treatment, injured were transferred to Sonam Norbu Memorial Hospital in Leh for specialised care.