Jammu: A major tragedy was averted on Thursday after a bus carrying Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims from Rajasthan caught fire on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Karol in Ramban district. Thanks to the prompt response of the driver, security forces and rescue agencies, all 47 pilgrims on board, along with the driver and conductor, were evacuated safely without any injuries.
The sleeper bus, bearing registration number RJ27BC-9921, was returning to Jammu from Baltal after the pilgrims had paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine. According to officials, smoke began emanating from the vehicle after one of its tyres reportedly burst. The driver immediately stopped the bus, enabling passengers to disembark before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.
The fire completely destroyed the bus, but no casualties were reported.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the incident soon after receiving reports of the fire. He spoke with Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan and other senior officials, directing the district administration to provide immediate assistance to the affected pilgrims and ensure their safe journey home.
In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said, “I have reviewed the situation with senior officials and Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, after a Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrim bus from Rajasthan returning after Darshan caught fire at Karol due to a tyre burst. By Lord Shiva’s grace, all pilgrims are safe. I have directed the Ramban district administration to provide immediate assistance to the Yatris and arrange for their safe travel back to Rajasthan.”
Immediately after the incident, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan personally rushed to the accident site and supervised the rescue and relief operations.
Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta, officers of the CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Fire and Emergency Services, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army personnel, Civil Quick Response Team (QRT), and civil administration officials also reached the spot without delay.
Fire tenders and rescue teams quickly brought the blaze under control while security personnel secured the area and facilitated evacuation of the passengers.
Officials said the coordinated efforts of all agencies ensured that every passenger was rescued safely before the fire spread through the vehicle.
Following the rescue, the Ramban district administration immediately arranged relief for the stranded pilgrims. Officials provided essential items, including footwear and other necessities, as several passengers had to leave their belongings inside the burning bus.
Alternate buses were arranged to enable the pilgrims to continue their onward journey towards Udaipur, Rajasthan, without significant delay.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan appreciated the coordinated efforts of all departments involved in the rescue operation and reiterated the district administration’s commitment to ensuring the safe and smooth conduct of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
Officials said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Preliminary reports suggest that the blaze may have been triggered after a tyre burst, but a detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.
The fire temporarily disrupted traffic on the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. However, normal movement was restored after firefighting operations were completed and the burnt vehicle was cleared from the road.
