20 PERSONS KILLED IN DODA AS MINI BUS PLUNGES INTO GORGE

Srinagar Feb 10 (Only Kashmir): 20 People were killed while some others injured in a road accident in mountainous Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir today. The accident occurred when a mini bus on its way from Gwadi to Thathri skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge at Badias in Bhalessa area of this far flung district this morning.

The rescue operation is going on and 20 bodies have been recovered so far. Four women and three children are among the victims of this fatal accident. One seriously injured Mohd. Riaz has been air lifted to Government Medical College Jammu for the treatment.

The Jammu and Kashmir Ministers Taj Mohi-Ud-Din and S S Slathia have reached the accident spot to monitor the rescue operations.

Meanwhile Bhaderwah MLA M S Naiz has expressed grief over the incident and urged the state government to provide speedy medical treatment to the injured and announce ex-gratia compensation to the deceased passengers.(OK)