- Ex gratia ₹2 lac to the families deceased, ₹1 lac to injured announced
Yash Khajuria
Leh, Aug 22: In a heart-wrenching incident, seven people lost their lives after a bus carrying wedding guests fell 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 critically.
The bus, belonging to Lamdon School in Leh, was en-route from Leh to Durbuk when the driver lost control at a sharp turn, causing the vehicle to skid off the road and plunge into the gorge. The passengers, which included students and staff members of the school, were on their way to attend a wedding ceremony.
Deputy Commissioner of Leh, Santosh Sukhdeve, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that out of the 28 passengers on board, six died on the spot while the rest sustained serious injuries. A swift rescue operation was launched by the district administration, with support from the Army, Police, and local community members. The injured were rushed to the Community Health Center in Tangtse and the Army Hospital for immediate medical care.
“After initial medical aid, we started an operation to airlift the critically injured to SNM Hospital in Leh for advanced treatment,” said DC Sukhdeve. “Unfortunately, one more person (Driver) succumbed to injuries during treatment at SNM Hospital, raising the death toll to seven.”
The deceased have been 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 Superintendent of SNM Hospital in a medical bulletin informed, “Among the injured, a seven-year-old girl is in critical condition with severe lung injuries. Efforts are underway to airlift her and another critically injured person to a specialized facility out of state for advanced medical care. The remaining injured passengers, who suffered trauma and fractures, are being closely monitored by specialists at SNM Hospital.
Medical Superintendent of SNM Hospital assured that the hospital has sufficient blood units and there is no immediate need for additional donations.
SSP Leh, Shruti Arora informed that preliminary investigations suggest the driver lost control of the vehicle while navigating a sharp turn. A detailed mechanical inspection of the bus will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the accident.
In response to the tragedy, the LAHDC Leh extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families and announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh to the seriously injured victims. The LAHDC also praised the swift actions of the district administration, Army, Air Force, Police, Health Department, and local residents in managing 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.
As per officials individuals who were traveling in the bus include 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 a market closure tomorrow, August 23rd, until 2 p.m. They will also hold a candlelight march from Leh Gate to Chokhang Vihara at 6 p.m. and encourage public participation.
LG sadden; MP, CECs express grief
Lt. Governor B.D. Mishra has expressed profound grief over the tragic road accident near Durbuk, which claimed the lives of seven Ladakhi citizens and injured 21 others. In a heartfelt message on social media, the Lt. Governor stated, “I am deeply saddened and grieved to hear about the loss of seven lives of our dear Ladakhi citizens and the injury to 21 others in this tragic accident. My deep condolences go to the bereaved families. I wish for a speedy recovery to all injured.”
Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, also conveyed his sorrow, calling the incident a “heart-wrenching tragedy” and offering his thoughts and prayers to the affected families.
Member of Parliament Haneefa Jan joined in the condolences, urging authorities to ensure effective recovery for the injured and support for the affected families. In his post, Jan expressed, “Deeply heartbroken by the news of the tragic bus accident in Durbuk, Leh. My deepest condolences to the grieving families during this painful time. I pray wholeheartedly for the swift recovery of those injured.”
The Chief Executive Councillor of Kargil shared his grief on social media as well, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the excruciating news of the tragic accident near Durbuk, Leh, where seven precious lives have reportedly been lost and many injured. I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. I hope for the swift and complete recovery of the injured. The roles of the Army, police, and civil administration teams have been exemplary in their prompt response and immediate assistance. May the departed souls rest in peace, and may their loved ones find strength during this difficult time.”
