At least 39 pilgrims returning from the annual Amarnath Yatra were injured after their bus skid off the road in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Tuesday morning, officials said.
The accident occurred at the treacherous S-Mode stretch near Hariganiwan Kangan along the Srinagar Leh highway when the bus was on its way from Baltal to Jammu after the pilgrims had completed the holy cave shrine pilgrimage.
Officials said the injured passengers were immediately rescued by police, SDRF personnel, local volunteers and health teams and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
A preliminary list prepared by the authorities showed most of the pilgrims sustained head injuries, chest and back trauma, arm and forearm fractures, and leg injuries. The pilgrims belong to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and other states.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said 39 pilgrims returning after Darshan of Baba Barfani sustained injuries .
“Spoke with Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal and health officials and inquired about the health condition of Shri Amarnathji Yatra pilgrims injured in the unfortunate road accident earlier this morning at Ganiwan, Ganderbal. 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,” Sinha said in a post on X.
More than 4.22 lakh devotees had paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine till Monday afternoon, as the annual Amarnath Yatra continued smoothly via the Baltal route. The Pahalgam route remains closed until restoration work is completed and the track is thoroughly inspected and declared safe for the movement of pilgrims.
