Minor Mishap in Ramban: 36 Injured in Amarnath Yatra Convoy Accident

SRINAGAR: A convoy vehicle ferrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims on the Pahalgam route lost control near the Chanderkot Langer site in Ramban district early Saturday, injuring 36 pilgrims in a collision involving multiple vehicles. The accident, caused by brake failure, occurred when the rear-most vehicle of the convoy rammed into stationary buses, damaging four and triggering emergency response measures.

Officials confirmed that all 36 pilgrims sustained minor injuries and were promptly attended to by health teams already stationed in the area. They were shifted to District Hospital Ramban for first aid and discharged after treatment. The pilgrims were later accommodated in alternative buses and resumed their onward journey to the cave shrine without delay.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, who was at the site, oversaw rescue efforts. Union Minister Jitendra Singh reassured the public, stating, “There is no reason for concern. All arrangements are in place and are being constantly supervised by the administration.”

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed relief over the safety of the devotees, attributing it to “the blessings of Lord Shiva.” He directed officials to implement comprehensive safety measures for Yatra vehicles, ensure mandatory safety checks at critical locations, and maintain uninterrupted availability of food and medicines along the route. The LG also held discussions with Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and DC Ramban to ensure swift assistance to the injured. Commending the timely response by health and district authorities, he reiterated the government’s commitment to a secure pilgrimage experience.

Meanwhile, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Transport Satish Sharma expressed deep concern over the mishap and initiated an official inquiry into its cause. He affirmed that the safety of Yatris remains a top priority under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and pledged sustained vigilance by all departments involved.

As the annual pilgrimage, which began on July 3, proceeds smoothly, Saturday saw another batch of 6,979 pilgrims depart from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys. These included 2,753 pilgrims bound for the Baltal base camp and 4,226 headed to Nunwan in Pahalgam. In just two days, over 26,800 pilgrims have had darshan at the cave shrine located 3,888 metres above sea level in the Himalayas.

At the Nunwan base camp, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Javid Ahmad Dar, along with MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Wani, reviewed sanitation and eco-sustainability measures. The Minister lauded the efforts of sanitation workers and inaugurated several initiatives including QR code-based grievance redressal systems, water ATMs, eco-friendly kits, and dedicated toilet blocks for women. A newly inaugurated waste management facility at Sarbal is expected to handle over 11 tonnes of daily waste, significantly reducing environmental strain during the pilgrimage.

In a poignant gesture, a local youth who displayed exemplary courage during the Ramban mishap was honoured with a cheque and named Brand Ambassador for Sanitation for the 2025 Yatra.

Despite the early morning accident, the administration’s swift response, coupled with enhanced safety and hygiene infrastructure, has ensured the continuation of the pilgrimage without disruption. With heightened coordination among transport, health, and law enforcement agencies, officials have reiterated their commitment to delivering a safe and spiritually fulfilling Amarnath Yatra experience.