Editor
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir - In a devastating incident this morning, a bus carrying pilgrims to the revered Vaishno Devi shrine met with a tragic accident, resulting in the loss of ten lives and leaving 55 others injured. The overcrowded bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a gorge in the Jhajjar Kotli area near Katra, Reasi district. Katra serves as the base camp for Vaishno Devi pilgrims.
The ill-fated bus, which was en route from Amritsar, was traversing the busy Jammu-Srinagar national highway when the accident occurred. Most of the passengers hailed from Bihar and were visiting the shrine to participate in a religious function, according to officials cited by news agency PTI.
Rescue efforts were immediately launched following the incident, with local authorities, police, and central forces rushing to the scene. Alongside the official responders, local residents played a vital role in assisting the rescue operation. Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, Chandan Kohli, commended the combined efforts of all involved.
Preliminary reports suggest that the bus was overcrowded, a factor that will be investigated as part of the ongoing probe into the accident. The exact cause of the tragedy is yet to be determined. Dilbag Singh, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, indicated that overspeeding might have played a role and assured that a thorough investigation has been initiated.
The injured individuals, numbering 55, have been swiftly transported to the Government Medical College in Jammu for medical treatment. Among the injured, some are reported to be in critical condition. Expressing her condolences, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her sympathy for the families who lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the accident.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring road safety and avoiding overcrowding in vehicles, particularly during religious pilgrimages. Authorities and pilgrim organizers must take proactive measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.