According to officials, the bus was on its way to Katra from Amritsar when the incident happened near Jhajjar Kotli, about 15 km from Katra in Jammu district.
The bus was reported to be carrying pilgrims to the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi.
Residents and the local police intervened on the spot and started rescue operations.
“CRPF, police and other teams are also present. Ambulances were called and the wounded were immediately taken to hospital. Bodies were also taken to hospital. A crane is being brought in to see if anyone is trapped under the bus. A rescue operation is underway,” said Ashok Choudhary, assistant commander, CRPF.
She said, “We were told that the bus was from Amritsar and that there were people from Bihar on board. Maybe they missed their way to Katra and got here.”
According to Jammu (DC) Deputy Commissioner Avny Lavasa, the injured were transferred to a hospital.
“The seriously injured were taken to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Jammu and 12 others were admitted to the local Public Health Centre,” he added.
(With contributions from agencies)
