Srinagar- Eight tourists from Gujarat and West Bengal, including the driver, were injured after a tempo traveller plunged into a gorge at Gund in Kangan area of Ganderbal district on Tuesday, officials said.

The vehicle was carrying the tourists back to Srinagar after a visit to the popular Sonamarg tourist destination when the accident occurred.

The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for initial treatment before being referred to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, officials said.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke with senior officials, the Director of SKIMS and the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal to take stock of the situation and the medical care being provided to the injured.

In a post on X, Sinha said eight injured tourists from Gujarat and West Bengal had been referred to SKIMS.

“I have directed the officials and the Director, SKIMS to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. Praying for their speedy recovery,” he said.

The accident triggered a rescue response, with local residents and police personnel assisting in evacuating the injured from the site.

The circumstances leading to the accident were not immediately known.