Thirty-nine pilgrims returning from the annual Amarnath Yatra were injured after the tourist bus they were travelling in met with an accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Tuesday morning. The mishap took place near Hariganiwan in the Gund area when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a curve on the mountainous road. The bus skidded off the road and crashed into a nearby house, causing panic among the passengers. Fortunately, no one inside the house was injured, and officials said the structure prevented the bus from plunging into the Sindh River, possibly averting a far more serious tragedy.
Soon after the accident, rescue teams from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Jammu and Kashmir Police, local administration, and nearby residents rushed to the spot. All 39 injured pilgrims were safely evacuated and initially taken to a nearby hospital before being shifted to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar for specialised treatment. Authorities have said that the injured devotees are receiving medical attention and that their condition is being closely monitored.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha immediately reviewed the situation after the incident. He spoke with the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal and senior health officials to assess the condition of the injured pilgrims. The Lieutenant Governor directed the health department to ensure that every victim receives the best possible treatment without delay. Later, he visited SKIMS hospital, interacted with the injured pilgrims and their families, and instructed hospital authorities to extend all necessary medical assistance. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed concern over the incident and directed officials to provide comprehensive medical care to the injured devotees. He asked Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo to personally oversee treatment at SKIMS and ensure that all required support is provided. The state administration has assured that every possible assistance will be extended to the affected pilgrims until they recover.
The Amarnath Yatra, one of India's most significant Hindu pilgrimages, resumed recently after a temporary suspension caused by adverse weather conditions. Thousands of devotees continue to undertake the annual pilgrimage under tight security and extensive logistical arrangements. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of Tuesday's accident while reiterating their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims travelling to and from the holy cave shrine.
