What Happened When Three Buses Collided in J&K's Kulgam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nine pilgrims were injured in a bus collision during the Amarnath Yatra.
- Immediate medical assistance was provided, with all injured now stable.
- The accident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures.
- The Amarnath Yatra has seen a significant turnout this year.
- Security for the Yatra has been significantly strengthened.
Srinagar, July 13 (NationPress) Nine pilgrims participating in the Amarnath Yatra were injured following a collision involving three buses on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway near the Khudwani crossing in Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday.
Officials reported that the incident took place when one bus driver lost control, resulting in a crash with two other buses.
Immediately after the accident, Kulgam Police evacuated 14 Yatris, transporting them to the primary health centre (PHC) in Wanpoh for initial medical assistance.
The medical team at the PHC treated nine pilgrims, while the remaining five were deemed not in need of further care. For closer observation and continued treatment, the injured were transferred to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag, where all are currently reported to be in stable condition,” officials confirmed.
The injured individuals have been identified as: Darjan (son of Inkolal), Ishor Lal (son of Mongi Lal), Mohal Lal (son of Choni Lal), Piswan Choudhary (son of Ram Chand), Bagas Ratan (son of Shiv Ram), Mishra (son of Narbi Ram), Sham Lal (son of Nanci Lal), Ishwar Lal Bali (son of Mohan Lal), and Jagarnath (son of Modi Lal), all hailing from Madhya Pradesh.
According to officials, all injured individuals were part of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra (SANJY-2025), and the police have taken note of the incident.
Since the Yatra commenced on July 3, over two lakh Yatris have participated, including those involved in this incident.
The Yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 9, coinciding with the festivals of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
This year's Amarnath Yatra has seen extensive multi-tier security measures, particularly following the tragic attack on April 22, where terrorists backed by Pakistan killed 26 civilians based on their faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been deployed to bolster the existing forces, including the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police.
The Army has initiated 'Operation SHIVA 2025', deploying more than 8,500 troops along with advanced surveillance technologies.
All transit camps along the routes to the two base camps, as well as the entire pathway from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine, are under strict security.
This year's Yatra started on July 3 and will last for 38 days, concluding on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Yatris can reach the holy cave shrine situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas via either the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.
Those taking the Pahalgam path will trek through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering 46 km on foot, which generally takes about four days. Conversely, those opting for the Baltal route will trek 14 km to the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day.
Due to security concerns, no helicopter services are available for Yatris this year.