39 Amarnath pilgrims injured in bus mishap; LG, CM express concern

At least 39 pilgrims returning after performing the annual Amarnath Yatra were injured after their bus met with an accident in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

According to officials, the bus was passing through the Ganiwan area of Kangan when the driver reportedly lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a sharp bend. The vehicle skidded off the road and crashed into a house in Hariganwan.

The collision caused extensive damage to the house, but it also stopped the bus from plunging into the nearby Sindh River, preventing a potentially bigger tragedy. Officials said the house was empty at the time of the accident, and no residents were injured.

Most of the pilgrims suffered minor injuries. Local residents, security personnel and emergency teams quickly launched a rescue operation and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving treatment, officials said.

Police sources said the bus, carrying around 40 pilgrims, skidded off the road and fell into a gorge after the driver failed to negotiate a curve.

J&K Police, paramilitary forces, the Army, and local volunteers rushed to the spot and evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in a post on X wrote; “. 39 pilgrims returning after Darshan of Baba Barfani sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at SKIMS. I have directed the health officials to ensure all necessary assistance and the best possible medical care. I pray to Lord Shiva for the speedy recovery of the injured devotees.”

The LG after visiting the SKIMS wrote on X; “By the grace of Baba Amarnath, all 39 yatris admitted this morning are currently in stable condition and responding well to treatment”. “Arrangements for their safe return to their hometowns are prioritized upon their recovery”, the LG directed the officials.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the road accident in Ganderbal district, in which several Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims returning to Srinagar after paying obeisance at the holy cave shrine sustained injuries.

The Chief Minister directed the Health & Medical Education Department to ensure the best possible medical care for all the injured pilgrims and deputed Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura to personally oversee their treatment.