Atleast 11 passengers were killed and 25 others injured on Wednesday morning when an overloaded minibus plunged into a gorge in Sawjian area of Poonch district.
The injured have been rushed to Mandi hospital for treatment, Mandi Tehsildar Shehzad Latif said. Seriously injured will be flown in IAF helicopter to Jammu for treatment.
The mishap occurred while the bus was on its way to Mandi from Sawjian. Rescue operation by the Indian Army and police is underway.
Initial reports suggest that the driver lost control over the speeding vehicle.
Expressing sympathy over the loss of lives, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha announced that Rs. 5 lakh would be given to the next of kin of deceased.
He directed Police and Civil authorities to provide best possible treatment to the injured.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has expressed shock over the tragedy.