At least 36 Amarnath pilgrims were injured on Saturday morning when a bus, which was part of a convoy going to the sacred Amarnath shrine, ran into four parked buses in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district in the Chanderkote area.
The crash happened as the convoy had stopped at a planned breakfast site in Chanderkote. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban Kulbir Singh said that the bus driver did not manage to stop on time, leading to a chain collision that injured dozens.
“The convoy had stopped for breakfast at Chanderkote. Pilgrims suffered minor injuries, majority of them willing to continue their pilgrimage after first aid,” SSP Singh informed. He added further, “Three to four of the injured may not be able to proceed further due to the nature of their injuries.”
Brake Failure Caused Amarnath Bus Crash
A top official confirmed the main reason for the accident as a brake failure. According to reports, the driver lost control, and the bus crashed into three other parked buses belonging to the same convoy.
“Because of a brake failure, four vehicles ran into each other. Mostly minor injuries, and all the injured yatris are being discharged after undergoing first aid,” said Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ramban, Ilyas Khan.
Authorities Act Promptly
DC Ilyas Khan went to the hospital to assess the situation and inquired about the well-being of the injured pilgrims. He ensured that the district administration made prompt arrangements so that the pilgrimage could proceed without any hindrance.
“We have made arrangements for substitute buses for the yatris. The ones discharged from the hospital will also be provided for and will proceed further,” Khan said.
Pilgrimage Proceeds Despite Setback
In spite of the pre-dawn accident, most of the injured pilgrims decided to continue their holy pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine once they were treated at hospitals. The local administration made arrangements for support as required to avoid disruption to the pilgrimage.
The Amarnath Yatra, held every year, draws thousands of pilgrims from all over the nation. Authorities are on high alert to regulate the movement of vehicles and avoid repeating such accidents during the yatra time.
