Yogesh
Srinagar, Jul 5: Following a collision between the buses on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway ferrying Amarnath pilgrims to Pahalgam, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday directed the officials to implement comprehensive safety measures.
An official said that an accident took place at Chanderkote in Ramban District on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway when a Pahalgam bound vehicle collided with other stationary vehicles due to brake failure. “Thirty six pilgrims received minor injuries. They were discharged after preliminary treatment and now on their way to the holy cave.”
The Lieutenant Governor said, “By the blessings of Lord Shiva, all the devotees are safe. Our priority is the safety of all pilgrims. Directed the officials concerned to implement comprehensive safety measures for vehicles of pilgrims undertaking Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and ensure safety checks at all key locations and uninterrupted availability of food and medicines at Yatra route”.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor spoke to Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Mohammad Alyas Khan, Deputy Commissioner Ramban to provide all necessary assistance to injured pilgrims.
He asked the senior officials to remain on alert and ensure all necessary arrangements for hassle-free journey of pilgrims. The Lieutenant Governor applauded the swift response of the district administration and health officials.
Collision at Chanderkote
According to the reports, at least 36 Amarnath pilgrims, hailing from different states, suffered minor injuries when five buses slammed into each other near Chanderkote in Ramban district on Saturday.
The buses were part of a convoy headed for the Pahalgam base camp of the pilgrimage in south Kashmir from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar. All the injured persons rejoined the yatra after receiving treatment at the Ramban district hospital, an official said.
“The accident took place at around 8 am due to the failure of the brakes of one of the buses in the convoy.
Union minister Jitendra Singh said he spoke to the Ramban deputy commissioner after learning about the road accident. “…. There is no reason for concern. All arrangements for the pilgrims are in place and are being constantly supervised by the administration,” Singh said in a post on X.
Ramban Medical Superintendent Sudarshan Singh Katoch said 10 of the injured pilgrims were discharged after being administered first aid and the rest after the conduct of necessary tests.
“The district administration arranged special vehicles for their onward journey to Pahalgam after they expressed their desire to continue the pilgrimage,” he said.
The convoy left for its destination early in the morning after the damaged buses were replaced, the officials said.
