Tragedy struck in Jammu and Kashmir as an overcrowded bus carrying pilgrims to the Vaishno Devi shrine skidded off a bridge and plunged into a gorge, resulting in the loss of ten lives. The incident occurred on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near the Jhajjar Kotli area, close to the Katra in the Reasi district. The bus, en route from Amritsar, was transporting pilgrims to the base camp for Vaishno Devi.
According to officials cited by news agency PTI, a majority of the passengers were from Bihar who had traveled to the shrine for a religious function. Alongside the fatalities, 55 individuals sustained injuries in the accident, some of whom are reportedly in critical condition. Prompt action was taken by the police, central forces, and residents, who collaborated in the rescue operation and swiftly evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals.
Chandan Kohli, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Jammu, confirmed the casualty toll and stated that the bus had been overcrowded, which will be investigated as part of the ongoing inquiry into the cause of the accident. Dilbag Singh, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, indicated that overspeeding might have been a contributing factor, and an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact circumstances leading to the tragedy.
The injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at the Government Medical College in Jammu. President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences for the lives lost and extended her wishes for the swift recovery of those injured. Taking to Twitter in Hindi, she described the bus accident in Jammu as extremely unfortunate and conveyed her deepest sympathies to the bereaved families.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for prioritizing road safety measures and addressing the issue of overcrowded vehicles, especially during religious pilgrimages when transportation is heavily relied upon. As the authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the accident, efforts should be made to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure the safety of all travelers.
