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Udhampur mishap: Driver nabbed, forensic team visits crash site
An overloaded private bus plunged nearly 100 feet down a hillside in Udhampur, killing 21 and injuring more than 50. The bus driver Rohit Kumar was arrested on April 21, 2026 after being on the run since the accident, and a forensic team visited the crash site as investigators probe the cause. Authorities cancelled the driver's HMV license and the bus's registration, and reports show several prior challans against the vehicle.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights road-safety enforcement and regulatory oversight in the region, including licensing, insurance, and penalties for prior violations.
Timeline
5 Events
ARTo cancels driver's license and bus registration
April 21, 2026
The Regional Transport Authority cancelled the driver's HMV license and the bus's registration certificate. The driver’s license was issued in 2018-19, and the owner had hired this driver five-to-six days earlier; insurance claims on the vehicle were also precluded.
Forensic team visits crash site
April 21, 2026
A forensic team visited the crash site on Tuesday; investigators await its report.
Driver Rohit Kumar arrested
April 21, 2026
The bus driver Rohit Kumar, absconding since the accident, was arrested by Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Accident in Udhampur: bus plunges down hillside
April 20, 2026
A 42-seater private bus carrying 63 passengers, including women and students, plunged nearly 100 feet down a hillside in Udhampur district, killing 21 people and injuring more than 50. The bus was en route from Ramnagar to Udhampur.
Challans before accident (pre-incident paperwork)
April 19, 2026
Documents accessed by HT showed that before Monday’s accident, the bus had nearly six challans pending, including two for overspeeding and dangerous driving.