Kathua gorge accident: 23 pilgrims injured near Sukrala Mata shrine in J&K
Synopsis
A minibus carrying pilgrims to the Sukrala Mata shrine in Kathua, J&K, plunged into a gorge on 24 June, injuring 23 devotees — two of them critically. The accident on the steep Simbli area road highlights the chronic road-safety risks on mountain pilgrimage routes in the region, where heavy seasonal footfall and narrow roads are a recurring combination.
Key Takeaways
A minibus fell into a gorge in the Simbli area of Kathua district , Jammu and Kashmir, on 24 June .
At least 23 pilgrims were injured; two are in a critical condition, according to doctors.
The vehicle was carrying devotees to the Sukrala Mata shrine near Billawar town when the driver lost control.
A joint rescue operation was conducted by police , civil administration , and local residents.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
At least 23 pilgrims were injured on Wednesday, 24 June after a minibus plunged into a gorge in the Simbli area of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The vehicle was ferrying devotees to the Sukrala Mata shrine near Billawar town when the driver lost control of the wheel. Two of the injured are reported to be in a critical condition, according to attending doctors at a nearby hospital.
How the Accident Unfolded
The minibus was en route to the hilltop shrine when it veered off the road and dropped into the gorge in the Simbli area, officials said. All 23 injured passengers were swiftly evacuated and transferred to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Two pilgrims sustained critical injuries, doctors confirmed.
Rescue Operation and Investigation
A joint rescue operation was launched immediately after the accident by the police, civil administration, and local residents who rushed to the site. Authorities have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated a formal investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash, officials added.
About the Sukrala Mata Shrine
The Sukrala Mata shrine is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mal Devi, believed to be an incarnation of Sharda Devi and, according to local tradition, the elder sister of Mata Vaishno Devi. Perched atop a 3,500-foot-high hillock near Billawar, the white-domed temple is accessible via a flight of steps from the hill base. It draws thousands of devotees year-round, with peak footfall during Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri. The shrine is located approximately 125 km from Jammu and 75 km from Kathua town. Local lore attributes its founding to Madho Singh, an exiled prince of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh.
A Recurring Hazard on Pilgrimage Routes
The accident underscores the persistent road-safety challenges on narrow mountain routes leading to religious sites across Jammu and Kashmir. Steep gradients, sharp bends, and heavy pilgrim traffic — particularly during festival seasons — have historically contributed to accidents on these corridors. This incident comes as pilgrimage activity in the region remains high in the summer months, drawing devotees from across northern India.
Authorities are expected to review road-safety protocols along the Billawar–Sukrala Mata route as the investigation progresses.
Point of View
Overloaded vehicles, and minimal safety infrastructure combine lethally during peak devotional months. The Kathua incident is not an isolated mishap but part of a recurring failure to enforce road-safety standards on mountain corridors that see surging traffic during Navratri and summer pilgrimages. Authorities routinely launch investigations after each accident, yet structural interventions — road widening, vehicle fitness checks, driver fatigue protocols — remain inconsistently applied. Until accountability is tied to outcomes rather than inquiries, the cycle will repeat.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Kathua gorge accident on 24 June?
A minibus carrying pilgrims to the Sukrala Mata shrine near Billawar in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, fell into a gorge in the Simbli area on 24 June after the driver lost control. At least 23 pilgrims were injured, two of them critically.
Where is the Sukrala Mata shrine located?
The Sukrala Mata shrine is situated on a 3,500-foot-high hillock near Billawar town in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. It is approximately 125 km from Jammu and 75 km from Kathua town, and is reached by climbing a flight of steps from the hill base.
Who carried out the rescue operation?
The rescue operation was jointly conducted by the police, civil administration, and local residents who reached the site immediately after the accident. The injured were transferred to a nearby hospital for treatment.
What is the significance of the Sukrala Mata shrine?
The Sukrala Mata shrine is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mal Devi, believed to be an incarnation of Sharda Devi and the elder sister of Mata Vaishno Devi according to local tradition. The temple draws large crowds, particularly during Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Police have taken cognisance of the incident and launched a formal investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. No findings have been made public as of the initial reports.
