Amarnath Yatra:6 Injured in Ramban Bus Collision, Rescue Underway.

6 Injured as Amarnath Yatra Buses Collide in Ramban, J&K

At least 6 Amarnath pilgrims were injured on Saturday in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir after a multi-bus collision. The attack was in Chanderkoot, Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which affected a convoy going to the Pahalgam base camp in south Kashmir and in Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu. Immediate rescue efforts were initiated and those who were hurt were taken to the Ramban district hospital so as to receive medical care.

The Incident: Chain Reaction-

The incident occurred between 8 AM, and several buses were involved, according to reports, five vehicles had crashed. The officials have said the main reason seems to be the brake failure in one of the buses that caused a chain effect during the convoy. According to reports the convoy had stopped over taking a breakfast break in a specially designated location in Chanderkote when the stretcher at the back of the convoy that was headed on to Pahalgam lost its control and crashed with the parked buses. The effects of this collision destroyed four vehicles and injured dozens of pilgrims.

Rapid Response / first aid-

When the officials in the government, the police and health teams got news about the accident, they promptly swung into action as they had already been on the spot as part of the high security and management plan put in place during the Amarnath Yatra. The injured pilgrims were speedily taken to Ramban district hospital. Deputy Commissioner in Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan and other top police officers paid a visit to the hospital to review the situation plus the best medical treatment was being given to the yatris.

Medical superintendent of Ramban Hospital Sudarshan Singh Katoch affirmed that majority of the injuries were not serious and pilgrims were discharged after first aid.

The prompt response and effective coordination by various agencies had a significant influence over the impacts of the event and on the safety of the pilgrims.

Continuation of the Pilgrimage-

Despite the incident, the pilgrims maintained a robust spirit. Officials indicated that, for the most part, all the injured were eager to continue their holy pilgrimage once they received medical treatment. Alternate arrangements were made for transport and the damaged buses were replaced, allowing the convoy to continue onwards to the Amaranth cave shrine.

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This event also provided an indication of the potential complications of large scale pilgrimages in difficult terrains such as Jammu-Srinagar National Highway which are subject to landslides and other geographical problems. The readiness and capacity of authorities to respond to the situation and ensure the safety of pilgrims was apparent during the annual Amarnath Yatra. Authorities have also claimed an investigation into the cause of the brake failure has been initiated to prevent future occurrences. While the safety of Amarnath Yatra and the administration’s ability to facilitate the Yatra is of most importance, the incident does raise questions about systemic improvements that can help make large scale pilgrimages in difficult terrains safer.

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