A tragic accident occurred on Thursday on the Jammu-Pathankot highway in Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir, when a bus carrying pilgrims to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine skidded off a bridge near Jatwal. The mishap resulted in one fatality and 39 injuries. The deceased was identified as 45-year-old Iqbal Singh from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh.
Emergency teams swiftly arrived at the scene to rescue survivors and transport the injured to hospitals, including AIIMS Vijaypur for critical cases. Investigations into the circumstances of the accident are underway, while local officials and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed condolences and assured maximum assistance.
Accident Details and Immediate Medical Response
The bus was carrying approximately 70 passengers from Uttar Pradesh, all devotees on their journey to Katra, the base for Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. The accident was reportedly caused by a tyre burst, which made the driver lose control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and fall off a small bridge into a gorge. First responders, including police, paramedics, and fire services, acted expeditiously to reach the site and administer medical aid.
Injured passengers were rushed to hospitals in Samba, while those in serious condition, seven in total, were transferred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Vijaypur for specialised treatment. Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case and are investigating the accident’s causes, including vehicle condition and road safety conditions at the site.
Pilgrimage Travel Risks and Efforts to Improve Road Safety
Mata Vaishno Devi attracts millions of devotees every year, requiring traversing mountainous and sometimes perilous roadways, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. This latest accident highlights the challenges travelers face on winding highways with steep terrains, narrow bridges, and unpredictable weather conditions. Such incidents raise awareness about the urgent need for comprehensive improvements in road infrastructure, including better maintenance, signage, and safety barriers.
In addition, enhancing vehicle safety checks and driver training specific to hilly pilgrimage routes is crucial. Local authorities periodically issue safety advisories and conduct awareness campaigns, but the recurrence of accidents underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance, community participation, and governmental accountability to secure pilgrim safety.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the deceased and to those injured in this tragic accident. The pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi holds deep spiritual significance for millions, and no devotion should come at the cost of preventable harm.
We stress that safeguarding travellers calls for multifaceted action—upgrading infrastructure, enforcing stringent safety norms, and cultivating public awareness. Compassionate governance demands not just reactive response but also proactive prevention.
