Around 40 pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were injured, two of them critically, after a private bus carrying devotees returning from the Amarnath Yatra plunged nearly 50 feet into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Tuesday morning.

The accident occurred around 7 am near Ranga Morh while the bus was travelling from Baltal to Srinagar. The pilgrims had completed the Amarnath pilgrimage and were reportedly heading towards the Vaishno Devi shrine when the vehicle lost control and fell into the gorge.

Rescue teams, assisted by local residents, launched an immediate operation to evacuate the passengers trapped inside the bus. All injured pilgrims were initially shifted to the Sub-District Hospital in Kangan before being referred to hospitals in Srinagar, including SKIMS Soura, for advanced medical treatment.

According to officials, most of the injured sustained multiple fractures, head injuries and trauma. While two passengers suffered serious injuries, authorities said all the victims were stable and undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Srinagar.

Pilgrims From MP and Rajasthan

The bus was carrying devotees primarily from Mandsaur district, including Malhargarh, Suwakheda in Neemuch district, Badnagar and nearby areas. Several passengers were also from neighbouring Rajasthan.

The accident involved bus registration number AR 11 D 5655, owned by an operator based in Ajmer. The vehicle had been hired by a Mandsaur-based travel agency, Maa Bhagwati Yatra Company, for the Amarnath pilgrimage. The company had deployed four buses for the religious tour, with only one meeting with the accident.

Administration Launches Relief Efforts

Following the incident, rescue personnel worked swiftly to evacuate the injured from the damaged vehicle. Photographs from the accident site showed rescue workers assisting passengers while luggage and personal belongings lay scattered across the hillside.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration coordinated emergency medical assistance, ensuring that all injured passengers were transported to hospitals without delay.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Police are examining whether mechanical failure, road conditions or driver error contributed to the bus losing control on the mountainous route.

Deputy Chief Minister Monitors Situation

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda said he had spoken with officials to obtain details about the condition of the injured passengers and had informed Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav about the accident.

Devda stated that many of the injured belonged to Malhargarh Assembly constituency and neighbouring districts of Madhya Pradesh. He added that the state government remains in constant touch with the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure that the victims receive the best possible medical treatment and all necessary assistance.

Officials from the Mandsaur district administration are also coordinating with authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to verify the identities of the injured and facilitate communication with their families.

Lieutenant Governor Orders Assistance

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he had spoken to the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal and senior health officials immediately after the accident.

In a statement shared on social media, the Lieutenant Governor directed officials to ensure the best available medical care for all injured pilgrims and extend every possible support to them and their families.

The administration has assured that the condition of every passenger is being closely monitored and all required healthcare facilities are being made available.

The accident once again highlights the challenges of road travel through the mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir during the annual pilgrimage season, when thousands of devotees travel through difficult routes to visit the Amarnath cave shrine and other religious destinations.