Ramban, Jul 5, KNT: In a road accident along the Amarnath Yatra route, three buses carrying pilgrims collided near Chandrakot in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district on Saturday, leaving at least 36 people injured. The accident occurred when the last bus in the Pahalgam-bound convoy reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into vehicles ahead, causing a chain reaction.
According to officials, the mishap took place at the Chandrakot Langer point, a known halting site for pilgrims. Four vehicles were damaged in the incident, including two buses and two other support vehicles. Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, confirmed the cause as brake failure and assured that all injured were promptly evacuated for medical attention.
“Thirty-six yatris sustained injuries after the last vehicle in the convoy lost control and crashed into stranded vehicles,” Khan said, adding that rescue operations were carried out swiftly by local police and health authorities.
Medical teams responded with urgency, transporting the injured to the District Hospital Ramban. Dr. Mohammad Rafi, In-charge Medical Superintendent of the hospital, stated that all patients received timely treatment. “We received 36 injured pilgrims. Thankfully, their injuries were manageable. Ten patients have already been discharged, and the rest are expected to leave within the hour,” he said.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees to the holy cave shrine, passes through some of the most challenging mountainous stretches in the region.
As the yatra continues, officials have urged drivers and convoy managers to remain alert and follow safety norms strictly, particularly in high-risk areas like Ramban where traffic congestion and steep gradients demand extra caution. [KNT]
