SRINAGAR, INDIA – A tragic accident occurred on Thursday when a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims veered off a mountainous highway in Indian-controlled Kashmir, plunging approximately 150 feet into a gorge and resulting in the deaths of at least 21 people, officials reported.
The bus was en route to the revered Shiv Khori temple in the Reasi area of Jammu when it skidded off the road, causing a catastrophic fall into the steep ravine. Health official Akhnoor Saleem Khan confirmed that 35 passengers sustained injuries, with several in critical condition, necessitating immediate medical attention.
State transportation chief Rajinder Singh noted that the bus was part of a pilgrimage convoy, underscoring the significance of the journey to the devotees. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with preliminary assessments pointing towards potential factors such as driver error, vehicle condition, or road maintenance issues.
India is notorious for its high road fatality rates, with thousands of lives lost annually due to traffic accidents. Reckless driving, inadequate road infrastructure, and aging vehicles are often cited as contributing factors. This latest incident highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring road safety in the country.
In a related incident in 2022, a century-old cable suspension bridge collapsed in Gujarat, leading to the deaths of at least 132 people. Such tragedies underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and infrastructure maintenance to prevent future accidents.
As rescue operations continue and authorities delve deeper into the causes of the crash, the nation mourns the loss of lives and prays for the swift recovery of the injured.