Three BSF soldiers killed, 32 injured as bus plunges into ravine in JK's Budgam

SRINAGAR: At least three BSF soldiers were killed and 32 others injured when a bus carrying polling workers plunged into a ravine in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Friday, officials said.

The bus was hired to ferry BSF soldiers for duty in the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections. The second phase of the elections will be held on September 25.

Around 35 soldiers were injured in the accident and hospitalized, officials said. Three of the injured soldiers succumbed to their injuries. The others are being treated and their condition is stable, they added.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police Commissioner RR Swain expressed his deep grief over the incident and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and colleagues of the deceased.

“We mourn the loss of these dedicated soldiers who served the nation tirelessly. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and assure them of all necessary support and assistance from the Jammu and Kashmir Police,” he said in a statement.