Amarnath bus accident: PM Modi announces ex-gratia for kin of deceased

New Delhi [India], July 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs. two Lakh to the kin of those who lost their lives in the bus accident in Ramban area of Jammu and Kashmir. Rs. 50,000 will be given to those who got seriously injured, in the bus accident. Prime Minister Modi earlier in the day expressed grief over the loss of lives in the bus accident which took place earlier in the day in Jammu. At least 16 people were killed and 19 others injured after a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims fell into a gorge near Ramban in Jammu. The Prime Minister took to Twitter to express his solidarity with the kin of the deceased. "Extremely pained by the loss of lives of Amarnath Yatris due to a bus accident in J&K. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased," Prime Minister Modi said. "I pray that those injured in the bus accident in J&K recover soon," he added. The injured people have been airlifted and are currently undergoing treatment in local hospital. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that he has spoken to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister regarding the accident. "Spoke to J&K CM Mehbooba Muftiji regarding the unfortunate accident of the bus carrying Amarnath Yatris near Ramban. Mehboobaji has apprised me of the ongoing rescue operations. The injured Amarnath Yatris are being airlifted for treatment in Jammu," tweeted Rajnath. (ANI)