Srinagar, July 28: At least 39 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were injured after their bus met with an accident near Hariganiwan in the Gund area of Ganderbal district on Tuesday morning. The bus, bearing registration number AR11 D5655, reportedly lost control, skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge while the pilgrims were returning after paying obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine.
Rescue teams, including the Police, SDRF, local administration and volunteers, immediately launched a rescue operation and shifted all the injured pilgrims to Sub-District Hospital Kangan. They were later referred to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura for specialised treatment.
Officials said all 39 injured pilgrims are under medical observation, while two of them sustained head injuries but are reported to be in stable condition. The remaining injured devotees are also stated to be stable.
Soon after the accident, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke with the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal and senior health officials to review the situation. He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and all necessary assistance for the injured pilgrims.
Later, the Lieutenant Governor visited SKIMS, Soura, where he met the injured devotees, interacted with doctors and hospital authorities, and reviewed the treatment being provided.
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Inspector General of Police Vidhi Kumar Birdi, DIG North Kashmir Range Rajiv Pande, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, and other senior officials.
In a post on X, LG Sinha said he had directed health authorities to provide every possible assistance and prayed to Lord Shiva for the speedy recovery of the injured pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the accident and instructed officials to provide immediate and comprehensive medical treatment to all those injured. He also deputed Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo to visit SKIMS and personally oversee the treatment and medical arrangements.
The Chief Minister said the government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that every required support is extended to the injured devotees.
Police have registered the case and started an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
