India News : A major accident was narrowly averted on Saturday morning when five buses carrying Amarnath pilgrims collided on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Chandrakoot in Ramban district. At least 36 pilgrims sustained minor injuries in the mishap.
Also Read : India leads by 244 runs in Birmingham Test
According to officials, the accident occurred around 8 AM when the last bus in the convoy, traveling from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu to the Pahalgam base camp in South Kashmir, suffered a brake failure. The bus lost control and rammed into four other buses halted near the Chandrakoot langar (community kitchen) site, damaging several vehicles.
Deputy Commissioner of Ramban, Mohammad Aiyaz Khan, confirmed that the injured were promptly transported to the District Hospital in Ramban by local authorities already stationed at the site. After receiving first aid, all 36 injured pilgrims were discharged.
Dr. Sudarshan Singh Katoch, the Medical Superintendent at the hospital, stated that none of the injuries were serious. “All pilgrims received immediate care and were stable enough to continue their journey,” he added.
Senior police and district officials visited the hospital to oversee treatment and directed staff to ensure the best possible care for the victims. The damaged buses were replaced, and the convoy continued toward its destination without further delay.
Officials have emphasized that despite the unfortunate accident, there was no threat to the safety of the pilgrims. The local administration acted swiftly, demonstrating strong preparedness and coordination.
Earlier in the day, the fourth batch of 6,979 Amarnath pilgrims left from Bhagwati Nagar base camp for the Kashmir Valley. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in organizing large-scale pilgrimages and the critical need for strict vehicle maintenance and safety protocols.
Authorities have assured that an internal review will be conducted to prevent similar occurrences in the future. In the meantime, the Amarnath Yatra continues under tight security and administrative oversight.
