Ganderbal, J&K – A bus carrying Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel plunged into the Sindh River at Kullan area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Wednesday amid heavy rainfall, officials said.
According to reports, the incident occurred when the vehicle, which was reportedly empty of troops at the time, skidded off a bridge and fell into the swollen river. The bus was part of a convoy and was being driven back after dropping off personnel at their deployment points.
“All personnel had deboarded before the incident. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the troops,” a senior official confirmed. However, the driver of the vehicle sustained injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition is said to be stable.
Rescue operations were launched immediately by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local volunteers. Divers were pressed into service to help trace the bus and recover any items that may have been lost in the river.
Sources said at least three service weapons were inside the vehicle at the time of the mishap. Two rifles and one pistol have reportedly been recovered so far, and search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining weapons, if any.
Officials are also examining whether the bridge had any structural issues or if poor visibility due to rain contributed to the accident. An internal inquiry is expected to be initiated by the ITBP to ascertain the exact cause of the mishap. (Media reports)
