Nine people have died and 33 were injured after suspected militants fired on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in the Indian federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, police officials reported.
Police investigation revealed that the attack caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the bus plunging into a gorge in the Reasi district of Jammu.
While rescue operations have concluded, a search operation by the Indian army and police is underway to track down the attackers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered the best medical care possible for the injured.
“All those behind this heinous act will be punished soon,” wrote Manoj Sinha, the region’s top administrator, wrote on X.
Mr. Sinha announced compensation of 1 million rupees ($12,000; £9,400) to the next of kin of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to the injured.
The bus was en route to the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine when it was attacked.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.