Jammu: At least thirty five people were killed and many others were injured in yet another tragic road accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Monday. The accident took place while the driver was negotiating a sharp curve in the region.

The accident took place at 8.40 a.m. when a mini bus travelling from Keshwan area to Kishtwar town went out of the driver's control and plunged into a gorge near Sirgwari village, said Angrez Singh Rana, Kishtwar District Magistrate.

The injured were being airlifted to government medical college hospital in Jammu city for specialized treatment, Rana said.

Locals also joined the relief and rescue operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in a Jammu and Kashmir bus accident on Monday.

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"The accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar is heart-wrenching. We mourn all those who lost their lives and express condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest," Modi tweeted.

Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed grief and shock over the accident.

"I am deeply pained to learn about this accident. I urge upon the state administration for immediate medical aid to the injured," Azad said.

Jammu Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Verma also described the accident as "unfortunate".

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik expressed grief over the loss of lives in a minibus accident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those killed.

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According to a Raj Bhawan spokesperson, the governor said all the reasons for such incidents would be probed thoroughly and strong decisions would be taken in the next state administrative council (SAC) meeting to ensure strict action against those responsible for such avoidable incidents.

Overloading, over-speeding and dilapidated road conditions have caused tragic accidents in the hills of Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch districts in the past as well.

On June 27, 11 students of a private computer training institute were killed in a tragic accident in Pir Ki Gali area of the Mughal Road that connects the Rajouri-Poonch districts in the Jammu division.

Following this accident, authorities in Poonch district have banned all excursions by educational institutions unless specifically allowed by the district administration.

(With inputs from IANS and PTI.)

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