39 Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims Injured After Bus Skids Off Road in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal

At least 39 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were injured after the bus they were travelling in skidded off the road in the Kangan area of Ganderbal district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning, officials said.

According to officials, the speeding bus was negotiating a curve near Hariganwan (Ganiwan) when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle. The bus veered off the road and crashed onto a nearby house, causing extensive damage to the structure. However, the house prevented the bus from rolling into the Sindh River, likely averting a much more serious tragedy. Fortunately, no one was inside the house when the accident occurred.

The injured pilgrims were returning after offering prayers at the holy Amarnath cave shrine, revered by devotees as the abode of Baba Barfani. Soon after the accident, local residents, security personnel and emergency responders rushed to the scene and rescued the injured. All 39 devotees were evacuated and taken to nearby hospitals, with many admitted to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, for treatment.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha immediately reviewed the situation by speaking with the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal and health officials. In a post on X, Sinha confirmed that all 39 pilgrims were receiving treatment at SKIMS and directed authorities to provide the best possible medical care and all necessary assistance to the injured.

"I pray to Lord Shiva for the speedy recovery of the injured devotees," the Lieutenant Governor said.

The incident occurred amid the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, one of India's most significant annual Hindu pilgrimages, which is conducted under extensive security and logistical arrangements due to the challenging terrain and large number of devotees visiting the shrine each year.

Authorities have not yet announced the exact cause of the accident, but preliminary information suggests the driver lost control while negotiating the bend. An investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Rescue and relief operations were completed swiftly, and officials are closely monitoring the condition of the injured pilgrims.