Eight people were killed and several others injured after a mini bus travelling from Thathri to Doda in Jammu and Kashmir fell into a gorge this morning. The injured have been shifted to hospital and rescue operation is underway, the police said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to those injured in the incident.

“Saddened by the road accident near Thatri, Doda in Jammu and Kashmir. In this hour of grief, I convey my condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the people who have been injured recover at the earliest,” the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that eight people lost their lives. “Just now spoke to DC Doda Vikas Sharma, the injured being shifted to GMC Doda; Whatever further assistance required will be provided,” he said.

The driver reportedly lost control over the vehicle at Sui Gwari and fell into a deep gorge along river Chenab.