Nine people are feared dead and 33 others injured after terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district on Sunday, an official said.
Explaining the incident, Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohita Sharma stated that the bus, which was returning from Shivkhori shrine and heading towards Katra, came under terrorist attack. The driver lost control after the shot, causing the bus to fall into a ravine.
Sharma confirmed that rescue operations had been completed and the injured were shifted to hospitals in Naraina and Reasi districts. The passengers, who were not locals, are believed to be from Uttar Pradesh.
The SSP added that the Shivkhori shrine was secured and the area was under security control. Initially, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Vishesh Mahajan reported 10 deaths, but the exact number of casualties is still being confirmed.
“It is a very unfortunate incident. Initially, reports we received suggested that the bus had been targeted in a terrorist attack after they opened fire on the passenger bus,” the SSP said. He added, “The bus was coming from Shivkhori shrine and was heading towards Katra. After the terrorist shooting, the bus driver lost control and the bus fell into a gorge.”
#LOOK | Ten people killed as a bus rolls down a gorge in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, confirms DC Reasi Vishesh Mahajan.
Details were awaited. pic.twitter.com/T7d38iURIw
— AIN (@ANI) June 9, 2024
The official further added, “Rescue operations are complete. Nine are feared dead and 33 injured. They were immediately referred to Naraina and Reasi district hospitals. The passengers were not locals. Their identities were not clear but according to initial reports, it belonged to UP. The Shiv Khori shrine was secured and domination of the area was achieved.”
Earlier, the deputy commissioner had said, “Ten people were killed when a bus rolled down a gorge in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir.”
#LOOK | Vehicle checks are being carried out in Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir, following a terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi. After the terrorist attack on the bus, it fell into a gorge and 10 lives were lost in the accident. pic.twitter.com/TI6WRdmMql
— AIN (@ANI) June 9, 2024
More details are awaited.
With ANI inputs