Four Amarnath pilgrims injured after vehicle crashes into stationary truck on Jammu-Srinagar highway in Udhampur
Udhampur, July 18
At least four Amarnath pilgrims were injured early Saturday morning after their vehicle crashed into a stationary truck on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Udhampur.
The accident occurred at Sangoor Chowk when a Toyota Innova, carrying pilgrims to the Baltal base camp, rammed into a dumper parked along the roadside from behind.
Police personnel rushed to the spot immediately after the collision. The injured pilgrims were rescued and shifted to the Associated Hospital at Government Medical College (GMC), Udhampur, for treatment.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
Further details are awaited.
In another road accident, 18 pilgrims were injured after two Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) buses and a car carrying pilgrims for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra collided near the Chanderkote Langar Point on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district on Monday, officials said.
A joint rescue operation was launched by the Civil Administration, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, following which all the injured were shifted to the district hospital for treatment.
CRPF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Manish Kumar Sachar said all the injured pilgrims had been discharged and were being shifted to another convoy.
The accident incidents come amid heightened security arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Security has been intensified along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway with regular night domination exercises, increased Quick Response Team (QRT) patrolling, and enhanced vehicle checking at strategic locations to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims.
Joint teams of security forces have been conducting extensive surveillance and checking operations, including in Ramban district's Banihal area. The CRPF has also deployed Road Opening Parties (ROPs) along National Highway-44 and established a 24x7 Mobile Health Camp at Chanderkote in Ramban to provide medical assistance to pilgrims and locals.
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and will conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Another accident involving pilgrims 😔. It's good that police and rescue teams acted quickly, but why are trucks parked on highways without proper reflectors or warning cones? This is a recurring issue on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Baba Amarnath's blessings are with those injured, but we need better road safety measures.
Just came back from the yatra last week. The roads are narrow in many places and some drivers drive recklessly despite the traffic advisory. But I must appreciate the security forces - CRPF and police were very helpful throughout. Hope the injured get well soon. Har Har Mahadev! 🕉️
Really concerning to see two separate incidents involving pilgrims. The combination of darkness, stationary vehicles on highways, and possibly driver fatigue is dangerous. Glad the response teams were efficient. I hope the investigation finds concrete ways to prevent such accidents on this route.
It's not just about accidents - the yatra itself is a test of faith. These pilgrims travel hundreds of kilometers for darshan and such incidents dampen the spirit. While the security measures are commendable, the highway infrastructure needs urgent upgrade. Speed breakers, road widening, and proper parking for trucks could save lives. 🙏
The CRPF's Mobile Health Camp at Chanderkote is a great initiative. But these accidents keep happening every year during yatra season. Why can't NHAI install proper crash barriers and signages on the Jammu-Srinagar highway? Also, truck drivers should be fined for parking without indicators. Hope the injured recover well. Jai Baba Amarnath!
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