Tyre Burst Causes Tragic Accident on Jammu-Pathankot Highway; Rescue Efforts Underway
A bus carrying pilgrims to the sacred shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi met with a tragic accident on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district. The vehicle skidded off the Jammu-Pathankot highway near Jatwal and plunged into a gorge, killing one and injuring 39 passengers.
Key Details
- Location of Accident: Jatwal, Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Route: Bus was traveling from Uttar Pradesh to Katra
- Cause: Tyre burst led to the vehicle losing control
- Casualty:
- Deceased: Iqbal Singh (45), resident of Amroha, UP
- Injured: 39 passengers
- Critical cases: 7 shifted to AIIMS Vijaypur
- Rescue Operation: Launched promptly with the help of local authorities and emergency services
- Hospitalization: Injured passengers initially treated at Samba Hospital
Rescue and Medical Response
Emergency response teams rushed to the site and pulled survivors from the wreckage. Most of the injured were taken to District Hospital Samba. Seven critically injured individuals were later shifted to AIIMS Vijaypur for advanced treatment.
Pilgrimage Journey Interrupted
The bus was part of a pilgrimage group heading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, a significant religious site visited by millions of devotees every year. The journey turned tragic just hours before reaching the destination.
Authorities Investigate the Cause
Preliminary reports suggest a tyre burst caused the bus to veer off course and fall into the gorge. A formal investigation is underway to determine if vehicle condition, road safety, or driver negligence played a role.
This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of vehicle maintenance and road safety for pilgrimage travel. Authorities continue to monitor the injured and assist families affected by the accident.
