J&K: Several Amarnath Pilgrims Injured as Bus Plunges into Gorge

The accident occurred along the mountainous Srinagar -Ladakh highway leading to Baltal basecamp of the revered cave-shrine, triggering an immediate and large-scale rescue operation by security forces, emergency responders and local volunteers.

According to officials, the bus, bearing registration number AR11 D5655, reportedly lost control while negotiating the steep and winding road near Hariganiwan, approximately 60 kilometres from capital Srinagar. The vehicle subsequently skidded off the road and rolled into the gorge, leaving dozens of pilgrims injured. The exact circumstances leading to the accident are yet to be established. The pilgrims were returning after paying obeisance at the cave-shrine.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene within minutes of the mishap. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, led by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Gund, were among the first responders. They were joined by teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army’s 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 118 Battalion, 2 Assam Rifles, Yatra Police and local volunteers. Working in close coordination, the teams launched an intensive rescue operation and successfully evacuated all stranded passengers from the gorge.

The injured pilgrims were immediately shifted to the Sub-District Hospital Kangan and other nearby health facilities for treatment. Officials said that while most of the injured sustained minor to moderate injuries, two pilgrims suffered head trauma. However, both are reported to be stable and under medical observation. The injured were later shifted to Srinagar 's Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science's for specialised treatment. Hospital authorities are closely monitoring the condition of all the injured, and no fatalities have been reported in the incident.

Officials credited the swift and coordinated response of security agencies, rescue personnel and local residents for preventing a potentially far more serious tragedy. The timely evacuation and prompt medical intervention ensured that all injured pilgrims received treatment without delay.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. A preliminary inquiry is underway, and officials said further details will be shared once the investigation progresses.

The accident comes at a time when the Amarnath Yatra has resumed after a six-day suspension caused by relentless rainfall, landslides and widespread weather-related disruptions across Jammu and Kashmir.

In view of safety concerns, authorities have continued to restrict movement along the traditional Pahalgam route, diverting pilgrims through the Baltal axis. The Himalayan region has witnessed severe weather conditions over the past week, resulting in multiple casualties and significant damage to roads and communication infrastructure.

Although the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was reopened earlier this week, authorities have advised travellers to exercise extreme caution, particularly on the vulnerable Ramban–Banihal stretch, where the threat of shooting stones and landslides continues to persist.

Despite adverse weather conditions and periodic disruptions, the annual pilgrimage has witnessed an overwhelming turnout. Official figures indicate that more than 4.26 lakh devotees had paid obeisance at the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine till Monday evening. Located at an altitude of approximately 3,880 metres (13,000 feet) above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas, the shrine remains one of the country's most revered pilgrimage destinations, drawing lakhs of devotees every year under extensive security and logistical arrangements.

Meanwhile, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed the health authorities to ensure that all injured pilgrims receive the best possible medical care, timely treatment and every necessary assistance. He also instructed officials to closely monitor the condition of the injured and extend all required support to them and their families.

Expressing concern over the incident, Sinha who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) prayed for the speedy recovery of all the injured devotees.

“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. Thirty-nine 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 Lt. Governor said in a social media post.