Bus crash in Indian-administered Kashmir kills 21, dozens injured

At least 21 people were killed and about 45 others injured after a passenger bus veered off a mountainous highway and plunged down a steep slope in Indian-administered Kashmir on Monday, according to local authorities.

Civil administrator Prem Singh said the 42-seat bus was carrying more than 60 passengers from Ramnagar to Udhampur when it collided with an auto-rickshaw at a sharp curve. The impact caused the bus to lose control and fall approximately 30 metres onto a lower road.

Officials said 19 people died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries after being transported to hospital. Passengers in the auto-rickshaw were also injured. Several of the wounded remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment at regional health centres.

Residents and emergency responders launched a rescue operation shortly after the crash, evacuating victims from the wreckage in difficult terrain. Authorities have not confirmed whether road conditions, vehicle condition, or driver error contributed to the collision.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced financial assistance for the families of those killed and injured, according to a government statement.