Eighteen Amarnath pilgrims were injured Monday morning following a multi-vehicle collision on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in the Ramban district [1].
The incident highlights the precarious nature of transport for thousands of devotees traveling through the mountainous terrain of Jammu & Kashmir during the annual pilgrimage. Ensuring vehicle safety on these steep corridors remains a critical challenge for regional authorities.
The accident occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m. [4] outside the Chanderkote Langar point. Reports said the collision was triggered by an alleged brake failure in one of the vehicles [1].
The chain-reaction crash involved two State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses and one car [2, 3]. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to assist the 18 injured pilgrims [1].
Local officials managed the aftermath of the crash near the langar point, which serves as a resting and feeding station for those on the journey. The highway is a primary artery for the yatra, often seeing heavy traffic and challenging road conditions.
Authorities have not yet released a formal statement regarding the mechanical state of the SRTC buses involved. The investigation into the brake failure continues as officials work to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow on the national highway.
“Eighteen Amarnath pilgrims were injured Monday morning following a multi-vehicle collision”
This accident underscores the systemic risks associated with aging transport infrastructure and vehicle maintenance during high-volume religious events. Because the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is characterized by steep inclines and sharp turns, mechanical failures like brake malfunctions can rapidly escalate into mass-casualty events, placing additional pressure on emergency services in remote districts like Ramban.
