Udhampur, Oct 21: Two persons, including a five-year-old girl, were killed and 16 others injured after a passenger bus met with an accident at Gulli Gala in the Latti area of Ramnagar tehsil in Udhampur district on Wednesday.

Officials said the bus, bearing registration number JK02AL-3477, was travelling from Pachiound towards Ramnagar when the accident occurred.

The deceased have been identified as Takshika, a five-year-old daughter of Rakesh Kumar and a resident of Chatrari, and a woman whose identity was yet to be established.

The injured were being shifted to Sub-District Hospital Ramnagar for medical treatment. Rescue operations were underway following the accident, while police had taken cognizance of the incident.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh spoke to Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Ananth Dwivedi regarding the incident and assured all necessary assistance.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

The Lieutenant Governor said he was distressed by the loss of lives in the accident and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. He also directed the district administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families and ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed the concerned authorities to ensure proper medical care and assistance for those injured in the accident.

The Chief Minister's Office remained in contact with the concerned authorities and was closely monitoring the situation, according to an official statement.

Authorities continued rescue and relief efforts, with arrangements being made to provide assistance to the affected passengers and their families.