9 pilgrims die as bus plunges into gorge in Jammu and Kashmir after terrorists open fire

Nine people were killed and 33 injured when a bus carrying pilgrims attacked by terrorists plunged into a gorge in Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir this evening.

The bus was on its way to the Shiv Khori cave temple when it was attacked. When the terrorists opened fire, the bus fell into a ravine.

“Nine pilgrims have died and 33 injured,” Vishesh Mahajan, district magistrate of Reasi, told NDTV.

The driver lost control of the bus during the exchange of fire and fell into the ravine, said Mohita Sharma, senior police commissioner of Reasi, according to news agency ANI.

“Initial reports suggest that terrorists fired at the passenger bus… The firing caused the bus driver to lose his balance and the bus fell into the ravine. Thirty-three people were injured in the incident. The rescue operation is over. The identities of the passengers have not been confirmed yet. They are not locals. The Shiv Khori shrine has been secured and control of the area has been taken,” she said.

Pictures from the scene of the accident showed several bodies scattered along a hill and the damaged bus.

Locals were seen helping with the rescue efforts and ambulances were on standby.

Police, army and paramilitary forces were immediately dispatched to the scene of the accident, police said.

The attack marks a significant escalation of violence in the region. Reasi district has been relatively spared from terrorist activities compared to the neighboring districts of Rajouri and Poonch.