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SRINAGAR: At least seven individuals lost their lives, and 20 others sustained injuries when a bus carrying school staff members to a wedding event veered off the road and plunged into a deep ravine at Durbuk, approximately 100 kilometres from Leh, in the Union Territory of Ladakh, on Thursday.
Six victims perished instantly, while another succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Leh, raising the death toll to seven. The condition of one of the injured is reported as critical, with the possibility of being referred to an external facility for advanced treatment.
The Lamdon School bus was transporting a total of 27 teaching and non-teaching personnel, along with two children. The group was en route to attend a colleague’s wedding when the accident occurred around 11 a.m.
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While the exact cause remains undetermined, authorities are investigating the potential for a mechanical failure or the driver’s inability to navigate a curve.
Immediately following the accident, the Police, Army, and residents launched a significant rescue operation, transferring the injured to a nearby medical centre where doctors pronounced six victims dead upon arrival. A seventh victim later passed away in the hospital.
Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters conducted 14 sorties to airlift the accident survivors from Durbuk to Leh.
District Magistrate of Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, confirmed the tragic incident involving a Lamdon School bus carrying staff members and two children at Durbuk. The injured were taken to Sonam Nurboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital and Army Hospital in Leh. The police have filed a case to determine the cause of the accident.
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The Army reported that seven individuals died, and 20 others, including three children and 17 women, were injured in the mishap. “In a prompt and compassionate response, Indian Army personnel stationed near Durbuk, Ladakh, provided critical assistance following the tragic school bus accident today at around 11 a.m.,” stated the Army.
“The bus, carrying 27 passengers, lost control and plunged into a ravine. Army personnel in the vicinity quickly responded, evacuating the victims from the site. Soldiers swiftly transported all 27 injured to nearby medical facilities. The injured were initially taken to the Military Hospital and Primary Health Centre at Tangste, where they received urgent care,” the Army reported.
Advanced Light and Cheeta helicopters from the Army executed 14 sorties, airlifting victims to the Military Hospital in Leh. “After initial assessments and treatment, 20 of the injured were transferred to Sonam Norbu Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh,” the Army detailed. One injured individual, suffering from a spinal injury, remains at the Military Hospital in Leh for continued treatment.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Retd) BD Mishra, expressed sorrow over the loss of seven Ladakhi citizens and the injuries sustained by others in the tragic accident near Durbuk.
“I am deeply saddened and grieved to hear about the loss of 07 lives of our dear Ladakhi citizens and the injury to 21 others in a tragic road accident near Durbuk. My deep condolences go to the bereaved families. I wish for a speedy recovery to all injured.” pic.twitter.com/HKfNz5mB2g
— Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) August 22, 2024
“My deepest sympathies are with the grieving families. I hope for a swift recovery for all those injured,” the LG Ladakh shared on X. “I pray for strength for the families affected by this irreparable loss. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. During this time of sorrow, the UT Administration stands in full support of the affected,” he added.
The LG Ladakh has directed the UT Administration to provide all necessary assistance to the victims promptly, including immediate helicopter evacuation for those severely injured requiring specialized care.
The deceased have been identified as Tsering Dolma from Sankar Sponbo, Stanzin Chosdon from Choglamsar, Tseran Dolkar from Nubra, Tsewang Lamo from Zanskar, Sonam Palmo from Thiksay, Rinchen Dolma from Nay, and Tsewang Gyatso (Driver).
The injured include Thinles Lamo (45) from Shachukul, Tashi Ladol (50) from Basgo, Dechen (30) from Wakha, Stanzin Yangdol (30) from Nubra, Phunsok Lamo (47) from Maan, Tsering Chorol (38) from Domkhar, Padma Dolkar (38) from Domkhar, Yangchen Dolkar (36) from Sagtotse, Thinles Angmo from Saboo, Sonam Dolam (45) from Martselang, Padma Angmo (36) from Nemolng, Sonam Yangdol (39) from Shachukul, Angdu Dolkar from Saboo, Tsering Dolkar from Sakhti, Thinles Angmo from Saboo, Jigmeet Vondon (7) from Saboo, Diskit Angmo (32), Yangdol (28), Jigmit Yangdol (10), Thinles Dawa (10), and Tsering Yangdol (50).
