Amarnath Yatra: Bus Accident in Ganderbal Leaves Dozens Injured, Pilgrims Stable

A day of spiritual devotion took a harrowing turn on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, when a bus carrying Amarnath Yatris veered off course and plunged into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district. The distressing incident, which unfolded near the S-Mode area of Hariganiwan in the Gund region, left approximately 30 pilgrims injured, serving as a stark reminder of the unpredictable challenges along the sacred journey.

Details emerging from the scene indicate that the ill-fated bus, bearing registration number AR11 D5655, was reportedly ferrying around 40 devotees when its driver tragically lost control of the wheel. One can only imagine the sudden lurch, the fear, and the chaos that must have ensued as the vehicle careened off the road, finally coming to rest deep within the gorge.

Thankfully, an immediate and coordinated response swung into action. Rescue teams, comprising police personnel, SDRF units, and a remarkable number of local volunteers, rushed to the site without a moment's hesitation. Their swift efforts were crucial in extricating the injured from the wreckage and providing initial aid. All those who sustained injuries were quickly transported to Kangan hospital for comprehensive treatment.

While the scale of the accident is certainly concerning, there's a collective sigh of relief as reports confirm that all injured pilgrims are in stable condition. Though two individuals did suffer head trauma, their situation is also reported as stable. It’s a testament to the rapid response and medical care that no lives were lost in this unfortunate event.

Meanwhile, local police have promptly taken cognizance of the incident, launching a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the driver losing control. Such probes are vital, not only for accountability but also to explore preventative measures for the future.

This incident, though somber, occurs amidst the ongoing, massive Amarnath Yatra, a pilgrimage that draws hundreds of thousands each year. Just the day before, on Monday evening, nearly 12,000 pilgrims (11,996, to be precise) successfully performed darshan at the holy cave via the Baltal track. In total, a staggering 426,339 devotees have already completed their darshan at the high-altitude shrine over the last 25 days since the 57-day-long Yatra commenced on July 3.

The spiritual momentum continues despite such setbacks; another batch of 3,029 Yatris departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Baltal base camp on Tuesday morning. Interestingly, the Yatra along the South Kashmir Pahalgam route remained temporarily suspended for the day, a decision made for essential track maintenance – a proactive step highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure pilgrim safety. As the Yatra progresses, preparations are also underway for the sacred Bhoomi Pujan, Navgrah Puja, and Dawajarohan of Chhari Mubarak, scheduled to be performed by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji in Pahalgam on Ashad Purnima (July 29).