Jammu: The death toll in a bus accident in Udhampur district has risen to 21 after a passenger bus rolled down a hill in the Ramnagar area.

In a post on X, Union Minister of State (MOS) Jitendra Singh, who is also the Lok Sabha MP from Kathua-Udhampur seat, said, "21 casualties so far and 61 injured. Injured have been shifted to Udhampur Hospital, while the one more seriously injured is being airlifted to Government Medical College, Jammu. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families."

He said that all possible assistance is being provided to those in need, while adding, "My office is in constant touch."

The bus met with the accident on a hilly road while negotiating a blind curve near Kagort village around 10 am, the officials said.

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said, "Tragic road accident in Udhampur is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to bereaved families. May God grant them strength. Praying for speedy recovery of injured. I have directed district admin, Police, SDRF & Health Dept to provide every possible assistance to those affected."

Office of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said, "Chief Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident involving a passenger bus travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Chief Minister affirmed that the government stands firmly with the victims and their families in this hour of grief, and that all necessary assistance is being extended."

The vehicle was on its way to Udhampur from a remote village when it skidded off the road and plunged down the hillside, they added.

A major rescue operation is underway, with several injured persons shifted to the hospital. Their condition is stated to be critical, officials said.