What Happened in the Bus Accident on the Jammu-Pathankot Highway?
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Synopsis
A tragic bus accident on the Jammu-Pathankot highway resulted in one casualty and left 40 injured, drawing attention to the growing number of road mishaps involving pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir. Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing experience as families travel for spiritual journeys.
Key Takeaways
- One fatality and around 40 injuries reported.
- Bus lost control due to a tyre burst.
- Victims were transported to District Hospital Samba.
- Emergency services acted swiftly to rescue passengers.
- Investigation initiated by authorities.
Samba, Aug 21 (NationPress) A devastating bus accident on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway resulted in the loss of one life and left approximately 40 individuals injured on Thursday morning in the vicinity of the Jatwal region in J&K's Samba district.
The tragic event unfolded when a private passenger bus, transporting devotees from Kathua to the revered town of Katra, lost control due to a suspected tyre burst. The bus veered off the highway and fell nearly 30 feet from a bridge near Jatwal, crashing into a dry canal bed below.
One pilgrim, recognized as Iqwal Singh from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, died at the scene. Around 40 other passengers suffered injuries in the incident. Emergency services were prompt, taking the injured to District Hospital Samba, where they received initial treatment. Later, eight passengers in critical condition were referred to AIIMS Vijaypur for further care.
Authorities, including police and administrative teams, promptly arrived at the site to conduct rescue and relief operations. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the precise cause of this unfortunate event.
Eyewitnesses and survivors recounted harrowing moments. Rakesh, a survivor, shared, “We were on our way from Amroha (Uttar Pradesh) to Vaishno Devi. Most of us were asleep when the accident occurred. Suddenly, we felt the bus lurch and fall. One of our friends died. Local residents rushed to assist, and the injured were taken to the hospital.”
Jaspal, another passenger, mentioned, “There were about 65 people on the bus. I was traveling with six family members. We were on a pilgrimage to seek blessings at Vaishno Devi.”
This latest incident adds to a troubling trend of road mishaps in Jammu and Kashmir involving pilgrims and tourists. On July 13, more than ten Amarnath pilgrims were injured when three buses in a convoy collided near the Tachloo crossing in Kulgam district. On May 6, a private bus rolled into a gorge in Poonch district, resulting in four fatalities, including a security personnel, and 42 injuries. On March 23, three tourists lost their lives, and 14 were injured in a head-on collision between a car and a bus in Ganderbal district.
Point of View
It's imperative to highlight the recurring tragedies on our roads, especially those affecting pilgrims. The loss of one life and numerous injuries serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and better infrastructure to protect travelers in Jammu and Kashmir.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the bus accident on the Jammu-Pathankot highway?
The bus reportedly lost control after a tyre burst, leading to the accident.
How many people were injured in the accident?
Approximately 40 individuals sustained injuries, with eight in critical condition.
What happened to the deceased passenger?
The deceased was identified as Iqwal Singh from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, who died at the scene.
Where were the injured passengers taken for treatment?
Injured passengers were initially taken to District Hospital Samba and later referred to AIIMS Vijaypur for critical care.
Is there an investigation underway regarding this incident?
Yes, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
