Tragic: 7 dead, several injured when bus carrying wedding guests falls into a ravine

• Ex gratia Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for the injured announced

Yash Khajuria
Leh, 22 August: In a heartbreaking incident, seven people lost their lives when a bus carrying wedding guests plunged into a deep gorge near Durbuk in Ladakh's Leh district on Thursday morning. The accident, which occurred around 11:30 am, also left 22 others injured, many of them seriously.

The bus of Lamdon School in Leh was on its way from Leh to Durbuk when the driver lost control on a sharp bend and the vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into the gorge. The passengers, including students and staff of the school, were on their way to a wedding ceremony.

Deputy Commissioner of Leh, Santosh Sukhdeveconfirmed the tragic incident and stated that of the 28 passengers on board, six died on the spot while the rest sustained serious injuries. The district administration, with the assistance of the army, police and local community members, launched a rapid rescue operation. The injured were taken to the Tangtse Community Health Center and the Army Hospital for immediate medical treatment.

“After providing initial medical aid, we have initiated an operation to airlift the critically injured to SNM Hospital in Leh for further treatment,” DC Sukhdeve said. “Unfortunately, one more person (the driver) succumbed to his injuries during treatment at SNM Hospital, taking the death toll to seven.”

The deceased were identified as Tsering Dolma, resident of Sankar Sponbo, Stanzin Chosdon, wife of Namgyal, resident of Choglamsar, Tseran Dolkar, wife of Tsering Phuntsog, resident of Nubra, Tsewang Lamo, resident of Zanskar, Sonam Palmo, resident of Thiksay, Rinchen Dolma, resident of Nay, and Tsewang Gyatso (driver).

Rinchen Chosdol, Medical Director of SNM Hospital A medical bulletin said: “Among the injured is a seven-year-old girl in critical condition with severe lung injuries. Efforts are underway to airlift her and another seriously injured person to a specialized facility outside the state where she will receive better medical care. The rest of the injured passengers, who have sustained trauma and bone fractures, are being closely monitored by specialists at the SNM Hospital.

The medical director of the SNM Hospital assured that the hospital has sufficient blood supplies and there is no immediate need for additional donations.

SSP Leh, Shruti Arora said preliminary investigations indicate that the driver lost control of the vehicle on a sharp curve. A detailed mechanical examination of the bus will be carried out to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Reacting to the tragedy, the LAHDC Leh expressed its deep condolences to the affected families and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 200,000 to the families of the deceased and Rs 100,000 to the seriously injured. The LAHDC also lauded the prompt action of the district administration, army, air force, police, health department and local residents in dealing with the emergency.

The Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of Leh visited Tangtse Hospital to oversee the evacuation process, while other officials, including Executive Councillor for Minority Affairs Ghulam Mehdi and Executive Councillor for RDD Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, visited SNM Hospital to offer support to the victims and their families.

According to the authorities, the following persons were on board the bus: Thinles Lamo (45), resident of Shachukul (female), Tashi Ladol (50), resident of Basgo (female), Dechen (30), resident of Wakha (female), Stanzin Yangdol (30), resident of Nubra (female), Phunsok Lamo (47), resident of Maan (female), Tsering Chorol (38), resident of Domkhar (female), Padma Dolkar (38), resident of Domkhar (female), Yangchen Dolkar (36), resident of Sagtotse (female), Thinles Angmo, resident of Saboo (female), Sonam Dolam (45), resident of Martselang (female), Padma Angmo (36), resident of Nemolng (female), Sonam Yangdol (39), resident of Shachukul (female), Angdu Dolkar, resident of Saboo (female), Tsering Dolkar resident of Sakhti (female), Thinles Angmo, resident of Saboo (female), Jigmeet Vondon (7), resident of Saboo (female), Diskit Angmo (32), (female), Yangdol (28) (female), Jigmit Yangdol (10) (female), Thinles Dawa (10) (male) and Tsering Yangdol (50) (female).

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community. In solidarity with the victims, the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Ladakh Gonpa Association and Merchant Association have announced that their markets will remain closed until 2 pm tomorrow, August 23. They will also hold a candlelight march from Leh Gate to Chokhang Vihara at 6 pm and appeal to the public to participate.

LG is sad; MP and CECs express their grief

Lieutenant Governor BD Mishra has expressed his deep grief over the tragic road accident near Durbuk in which seven Ladakhi citizens lost their lives and 21 others were injured. In a heartfelt message on social media, the Lieutenant Governor said, “I am deeply saddened and grieved to hear of the loss of seven of our dear Ladakhi citizens and the injury of 21 others in this tragic accident. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families. I wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.”

Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Pawan Kotwal also expressed his condolences, describing the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and conveying his condolences and prayers to the affected families.

MP Haneefa Jan joined the condolences and urged the authorities to ensure speedy recovery of the injured and support to the affected families. In his post, Jan expressed, “I am deeply shocked by the news of the tragic bus accident in Durbuk, Leh. My deepest condolences to the grieving families at this painful time. I pray from the bottom of my heart for a speedy recovery of the injured.”

The Chief Executive Councillor of Kargil also expressed his grief on social media and said, “I am deeply saddened by the distressing news of the tragic accident near Durbuk, Leh in which seven lives were reportedly lost and many injured. I convey my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. I hope for a speedy and complete recovery of the injured. The Army, Police and Civil Administration have acted in an exemplary manner with their quick response and immediate assistance. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace and may their relatives find strength in this difficult time.”