Two students died and 21 others were injured as a college bus turned turtle after the driver lost control of the vehicle in Handwara in the border district of Kupwara district on Saturday, officials said.
The Chief Minister has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs1 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased students, Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 for students with minor injuries, as part of immediate government support.
The government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
The accident occurred near the Vodpora area of Handwara when the bus of Government Degree College Sogam was carrying 27 students to a picnic spot.
One student, identified as Asia Rashid, died on the spot, while a critically injured student Mymoona Akhtar, succumbed to her injuries later at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar.
Three critically injured students were referred to SKIMS Srinagar for specialized treatment.
The remaining injured were admitted to Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara, where several remain under observation.
The incident triggered widespread grief and concern across the district.
Nasir Aslam Wani, an advisor to the chief minister, and Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Dar visited the injured at Government Medical College Hospital, Handwara.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Wani said the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sanctioned an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh each for the families of each of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for those severely injured, and Rs 25,000 for the other victims of the accident.
A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered into the circumstances that led to the accident, he said.
“Preliminary findings will be shared in due course,” he said.
Responding to queries on road infrastructure, Wani said that the government is actively working on four-laning projects, including Kulangam and the Sopore-Kulangam stretch.
Later in the day, Minister Javaid Dar and Advisor Wani also visited the residences of the deceased students to personally offer condolences to the bereaved families.
DC Kupwara also visited the hospital and interacted with the injured students and hospital staff, assuring them of all possible assistance from the district administration.
The DC assured that the administration is committed to ensuring the best possible medical care and support for the victims and their families.
“Case will be registered and a police investigation will follow,” she said.
Medical Superintendent of GMC Handwara, Dr. Aijaz said most of the injured students are in stable condition.
He said while two critically injured students were referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment, the remaining are being closely monitored and are responding well to medical care.
“We are ensuring all necessary treatment and support for the injured. Their condition is largely stable,” he said.
MLA Handwara Sajad Lone visited the Government Medical College Hospital, Handwara, to meet the injured students.
“My thanks to the doctors and the paramedics who have been working tirelessly. Thankfully all the students admitted to GMC Handwara at the moment, are safe. My prayers for their recovery. Two students who had been referred to Srinagar have lost their lives. May Allah grant them heaven,” Lone said on X.
In the wake of the tragedy, there has been a growing outcry from civil society members and concerned citizens, who have urged the administration to initiate a complete audit of school and college transport fleets. Demands have also been made for the installation of speed limiters in all educational institution vehicles and a blanket ban on the use of outdated or unfit buses and vans for student transportation.