Katra Bus catches fire, 4 killed, 24 injured in Katra bus fire, “probe is going on”

A bus carrying pilgrims of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine caught fire in the Katra area of Reasi district in Jammu on Friday and 4 pilgrims lost their lives, while 24 others suffered burn injuries.

“The bus bearing registration number JK14/1831 was ferrying pilgrims from Katra to Jammu when it caught fire near Nomain, about 3 kilometers from Katra,” officials said. “Four persons were charred alive and 24 others were injured in the blaze, they said.”

The Additional Director General (ADG) of Police, Jammu zone, Mukesh Singh, after inspecting the bus, said in the initial investigation no signs of use of any explosives were found.

“The bus caught fire on its way from Katra to Jammu. The cause of the fire is not confirmed yet”, Mukesh Singh said.

“The preliminary investigation doesn’t suggest that (a blast), but the probe is on and nothing is confirmed, as of now,” he said.

 A forensic team was also called to fathom the cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar made a visit to GMC Hospital and inquired about the treatment of those who were injured in the incident.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also mourned the death of the pilgrims.

 “I am extremely pained by the loss of lives in the tragic bus incident in Katra. I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.” Sinha Tweeted.