🚌 Four Amarnath Pilgrim Buses Collide on Jammu–Srinagar Highway; 36 Injured

• Jul 5, 2025

Ramban, Jammu & Kashmir (July 5, 2025) — In a chain-reaction collision on the busy Jammu–Srinagar National Highway near Chanderkote (Ramban), four buses carrying Amarnath pilgrims were involved in a collision during a scheduled breakfast stop. The incident occurred at approximately 08:00 AM when the last bus in the Pahalgam-bound convoy reportedly experienced brake failure, crashing into stationary buses. That impact triggered a pile-up that damaged four to five buses and resulted in injuries to 36 devotees, according to District Administration and police sources business-standard.com+15indiatvnews.com+15ibtimes.co.in+15.

🚨 Immediate Rescue & Medical Response

• Injured pilgrims (mostly suffering minor injuries) were promptly transported to District Hospital Ramban for treatment english.newstrack.com+15thelogicalindian.com+15newsbytesapp.com+15.

• According to Dr. Mohammed Rafi, in-charge of the hospital, all 36 patients were treated on-site, and none have required transfer to other medical facilities newsbytesapp.com.

🚐 Yatra Continues Smoothly

• The affected pilgrims were part of a batch of 6,979 devotees, including men, women, children, sadhus, and one transgender pilgrim, traveling in over 300 vehicles en.wikipedia.org+12newsbytesapp.com+12thelogicalindian.com+12.

• Replacement buses were provided quickly, and the convoy resumed its journey toward the Pahalgam base camp without further delay thelogicalindian.com+1newsbytesapp.com+1.

🔍 Cause & Ongoing Investigation

• Authorities have cited suspected brake failure in the last bus as the primary cause. A formal investigation is underway thelogicalindian.com+1newsbytesapp.com+1.

• Following the accident, district officials emphasized the need for regular vehicle safety inspections, strict convoy protocols, and ensuring that all vehicles undergo functional checks before departure.

⚠️ Safety Amid a High-Security Pilgrimage

• The 2025 Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 3, has drawn over 3.5 lakh registered pilgrims traveling via Pahalgam and Baltal routes thelogicalindian.com+1indiatvnews.com+1thequint.com+9en.wikipedia.org+9financialexpress.com+9.

• Given recent security threats—including the April 2025 Pahalgam attack—authorities have ramped up medical camps, backup ambulances, and emergency protocols along the route thelogicalindian.com.

• This bus collision highlights the additional logistical pressures and vehicle scrutiny necessary during large pilgrimages on challenging terrain.

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✅ In Summary:

• Casualties: 36 pilgrims with minor injuries; no fatalities reported.

• Cause: Alleged brake failure of the rear bus in the convoy.

• Response: Quick medical aid, replacement vehicles, and continuation of yatra.

• Outlook: Focus on intensifying safety checks and convoy regulations to prevent recurrence.