39 Amarnath pilgrims injured in Ganderbal bus accident, CM Omar Abdullah orders best care
Synopsis
A bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims back from the holy cave shrine plunged into a gorge in Ganderbal on 28 July, injuring 39 people from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. A multi-agency rescue operation evacuated all injured to SKIMS, as both CM Omar Abdullah and L-G Manoj Sinha personally directed health authorities to ensure the best care — underscoring the high-stakes security and safety apparatus surrounding one of India's largest annual pilgrimages.
Key Takeaways
39 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were injured on 28 July after their bus skidded into a gorge in Hariganiwan, Ganderbal district , Jammu and Kashmir.
The accident occurred when the driver lost control and the vehicle plunged off the road; the pilgrims were returning from the Amarnath shrine .
A joint rescue operation involving Gund Police , ITBP , CRPF , Assam Rifles , and Rashtriya Rifles safely evacuated all injured to hospital.
The injured are residents of Rajasthan , Madhya Pradesh , and Delhi and are being treated at SKIMS .
CM Omar Abdullah deputed Health Minister Sakina Itoo to oversee treatment; L-G Manoj Sinha personally spoke with the Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner.
Police have taken cognizance of the incident; the exact cause is under investigation.
Thirty-nine Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were injured on Tuesday, 28 July after a bus carrying them back from the holy cave shrine skidded into a gorge in the Hariganiwan area of Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha both expressed concern and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
How the Accident Happened
According to officials, the bus was transporting pilgrims back to Srinagar after they had paid obeisance at the Amarnath shrine when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Gund, Kangan. The bus skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge. All 39 injured pilgrims were evacuated from the site and shifted to nearby hospitals, with several receiving treatment at SKIMS (Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences).
Rescue Operation
A joint rescue operation was immediately launched by Gund Police under the supervision of Station House Officer (SHO) Rayees Ahmad. Personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), 118 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 2 Assam Rifles, 21 Rashtriya Rifles, Yatra Police, and local residents assisted in the evacuation. All injured pilgrims were safely removed from the accident site.
Government Response
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the mishap and directed that the injured receive the best possible medical attention. He deputed Health Minister Sakina Itoo to visit SKIMS and personally oversee the treatment of the injured pilgrims.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he spoke directly with the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal and health officials to enquire about the condition of the injured. Sinha also directed health officials to ensure all necessary assistance and prayed for the speedy recovery of the pilgrims.
Who Was Affected
The injured pilgrims are residents of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. Officials confirmed that all of them are receiving medical treatment and their condition is being closely monitored. Police have taken cognizance of the incident, and the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
This comes amid the ongoing Amarnath Yatra season, during which lakhs of pilgrims travel through the mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir each year. Road accidents on these routes, particularly on steep and narrow stretches, are a recurring concern for authorities managing the annual pilgrimage.
Point of View
The steep, narrow stretches between Ganderbal and the shrine remain high-risk. The swift multi-agency rescue response is commendable, but the fact that 39 pilgrims ended up in a gorge raises questions about vehicle fitness checks and driver fatigue protocols that authorities have yet to answer publicly. Until the investigation concludes, accountability for what caused the driver to lose control remains open.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Ganderbal on 28 July?
A bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims back to Srinagar skidded into a gorge in the Hariganiwan area of Ganderbal district on 28 July, injuring 39 people. All injured pilgrims were evacuated and shifted to hospitals, including SKIMS.
Who are the injured Amarnath pilgrims and where are they from?
The 39 injured pilgrims are residents of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. They were returning after paying obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine when the accident occurred.
What was the government's response to the Ganderbal bus accident?
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed that the injured receive the best possible medical care and deputed Health Minister Sakina Itoo to visit SKIMS and oversee treatment. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha personally spoke with the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal and health officials, directing them to ensure all necessary assistance.
How were the injured pilgrims rescued from the accident site?
A joint rescue operation was launched by Gund Police under SHO Rayees Ahmad, assisted by ITBP, 118 Battalion CRPF, 2 Assam Rifles, 21 Rashtriya Rifles, Yatra Police, and local residents. All 39 injured pilgrims were safely evacuated from the gorge.
What is the cause of the Amarnath Yatra bus accident in Ganderbal?
Officials said the driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle, causing it to skid into a gorge near Hariganiwan. The exact cause is still under investigation, with police having taken cognizance of the incident.
