Samba Bus Accident 2025: Vaishno Devi Pilgrims Injured After Bus Falls into Gorge on Jammu-Pathankot Highway
By: Javid Amin | 21 Aug 2025
A pilgrimage turned tragic on August 21st, 2025, when a bus carrying Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims met with a devastating accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district. The vehicle, en route to Katra—the base camp for the revered shrine—skidded off the Jammu-Pathankot highway near Jatwal and plunged into a gorge.
Casualties and Injuries
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One pilgrim, identified as Kripal alias Iqbal (31), a resident of Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, tragically lost his life in the accident.
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At least 39 others sustained injuries, with 17 critically wounded rushed to AIIMS Vijaypur for advanced medical care.
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The bus was reportedly carrying around 70 passengers, many of them families traveling together for the pilgrimage.
Hospitals in Samba and Vijaypur have been placed on high alert to ensure immediate treatment for the injured.
Cause of the Accident
Preliminary investigations suggest that a tyre burst caused the driver to lose control of the bus. The vehicle then veered off a small bridge before plunging into a gorge.
Authorities note that this tragic incident highlights long-standing concerns about road safety on pilgrimage routes:
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Heavy traffic on narrow, hilly roads.
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Poorly maintained vehicles used for mass pilgrim transport.
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Lack of adequate safety checks and roadside infrastructure.
Swift Rescue and Relief Operations
Emergency response teams, local police, and residents launched immediate rescue operations, pulling passengers from the wreckage and rushing them to hospitals.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos but also praised the quick response of locals and first responders, which likely saved many lives.
Leaders Express Grief
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy:
“My heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. The administration is providing all possible assistance to the victims and their families.”
Other political leaders and social organizations have also urged for stricter road safety enforcement, particularly on highways connecting pilgrimage destinations.
Road Safety Concerns on Pilgrimage Routes
This accident is a grim reminder of the recurring dangers pilgrims face:
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In the last decade, multiple fatal accidents have been reported along the Jammu–Katra highway.
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Experts stress the need for better vehicle fitness checks, trained drivers for long-distance pilgrim buses, and emergency infrastructure (such as crash barriers and wider bypass roads).
With lakhs of devotees undertaking the Vaishno Devi yatra annually, stakeholders argue that ensuring safe and reliable travel must be treated as seriously as shrine management itself.
Closing Note
For the families of the deceased and injured, the tragedy has turned a sacred journey into a nightmare. While rescue and relief are ongoing, the incident raises urgent questions:
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How many more accidents will it take before road safety becomes a priority?
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Can pilgrimage routes be made as safe as they are spiritual?
For now, the focus remains on saving lives, supporting the injured, and ensuring the grieving families are not left alone in their darkest hour.
