Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims Jump from Moving Bus After Brake Failure in Jammu and Kashmir; 10 Injured

A bus carrying 40 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims experienced a brake failure in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting passengers to jump from the moving vehicle to avoid a potentially disastrous plunge into a gorge.

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Nitish Verma
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A bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims experienced a catastrophic brake failure on National Highway 44 in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district on Tuesday. The dramatic scene unfolded as passengers were forced to jump from the moving vehicle to avoid a potentially disastrous plunge into a gorge. Thanks to the swift response of the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, a major tragedy was averted, and no fatalities were reported.

The bus, which was transporting 40 pilgrims from Punjab to Hoshiarpur, encountered the brake failure near Nachlana, close to Banihal. As the driver lost control of the vehicle, panic set in, and passengers were seen leaping from the bus in a desperate bid to escape. A video circulating on social media shows the harrowing moments as people jumped from the bus, with security forces running behind to prevent it from falling into the gorge.

The quick thinking and bravery of the security forces were instrumental in preventing a tragedy. Army troops and police personnel swiftly intervened, placing stones under the tires to halt the bus's descent into the stream. The Army's Quick Reaction Teams, along with ambulances, provided immediate medical assistance and first aid to the injured. Ten people were injured in the incident, including six men, three women, and one child.

Why it Matters : This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for regular maintenance of vehicles, especially those carrying large numbers of passengers. The fact that a similar tragedy occurred in May, when a bus fell into a gorge in Jammu's Akhnoor, killing 22 people and injuring at least 50, highlights the need for authorities to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident also underscores the critical role played by security forces in preventing disasters and saving lives. The swift response of the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in this incident is a testament to their bravery and professionalism.

As the Amarnath Yatra continues, this incident serves as a wake-up call for authorities to ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place to prevent such incidents in the future.

Key Takeaways:

  • A bus carrying 40 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims experienced a brake failure on National Highway 44 in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district.
  • Passengers were forced to jump from the moving vehicle to avoid a potentially disastrous plunge into a gorge.
  • The swift response of the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police prevented a major tragedy, and no fatalities were reported.
  • Ten people were injured in the incident, including six men, three women, and one child.
  • The incident highlights the need for authorities to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure road safety.