Picnic turns fatal as two students lose lives, 23 injured in college bus accident in Handwara

Srinagar: A pall of gloom descended across the Kashmir Valley as two young female students lost their lives while 23 others received injuries after a bus carrying college students en route to a picnic met with a severe accident in Vodhpora, Handwara in north Kashmir.
Officials said that the accident occurred around 8:30 am, shortly after the college bus reportedly lost control and overturned under unclear circumstances. They said the emergency teams, along with local residents, rushed to the scene to rescue the injured and shift them to Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara.
The incident claimed the lives of two young female students and left 23 others injured, an official said. Among the deceased are Asiya Rashid, who was declared brought dead at GMC Handwara, and Mymoona Ali, a final-year student who later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital in Srinagar after being referred in critical condition.
The official added that the students from Government Degree College (GDC) Sogam had set off early for a recreational trip to the famed Tulip Garden in Srinagar when the incident occurred.
Medical Superintendent, GMC Handwara, Dr Aijaz said 23 students were injured in the mishap, most of whom are in stable condition. “We referred two critically injured students to Srinagar for specialized treatment. Unfortunately, one of them could not survive,” he said.
Meanwhile, a magisterial inquiry has also been ordered to probe the circumstances surrounding the accident, including whether it was due to vehicle failure, driver error or other reasons.
Political leaders and top officials expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in a condolence message on X (formerly Twitter), said: “The news of the death of two young students in Handwara College Bus accident is extremely heartbreaking. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved family members. Praying for the early recovery of the injured.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended his condolences, stating, “The loss of two young promising students from GDC Sogam, in the tragic accident near Handwara is a tragedy that weighs heavily on all of us. My deepest condolences to her family in this hour of grief. Prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.” He added that the government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring all necessary support is provided.
The Health and Medical Education minister Sakina Itoo said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident involving students of GDC Sogam that claimed the lives of young Asiya Rashid and Maymoona Ali and injured several others. My heartfelt condolences to their family. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
“I’ve directed Director SKIMS, Principal GMC Handwara, Principal GMC Srinagar, CMO Kupwara and other health officials to ensure the best treatment for the injured,” she posted on X.
Similarly, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone, MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed and others extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured.
Meanwhile, Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, cabinet ministers Javed Dar and Sakina Itoo along with Deputy Commissioner Kupwara visited GMC Handwara to review the condition of the injured, They assured full support from the administration. “We are committed to extending all possible help to the victims and their families,” they said. Following the tragic bus accident that claimed the lives of two of its students, Government Degree College (GDC) Sogam suspended classwork as a mark of respect and mourning. The college administration said the decision was taken to honour the memory of Asiya Rashid and Mymoona Ali, both promising students whose sudden demise has left the institution and the entire community in shock