A major tragedy was averted in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district when a bus carrying 47 Amarnath pilgrims from Rajasthan caught fire on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. All passengers were evacuated safely.

Key Takeaways

  • A sleeper bus carrying 47 Amarnath pilgrims caught fire near Karool in Ramban.
  • All passengers, including the driver and conductor, were evacuated without injury.
  • A coordinated rescue mission involved the Police, CRPF, Army, and SDRF.
  • The incident occurred on the busy Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

In a harrowing incident that could have turned into a massive tragedy, 47 Amarnath pilgrims narrowly escaped death on Thursday when their sleeper bus erupted in flames. The incident took place on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Karool in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Details of the Incident

The bus, bearing registration number RJ27PC-9921, was transporting devotees from Rajasthan on their return journey from Srinagar to Jammu. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire broke out suddenly while the vehicle was in transit. The immediate reaction of the passengers and the driver played a crucial role in preventing the fire from spreading instantly, allowing time for an evacuation.

Coordinated Rescue Operation

The response from the security apparatus was swift and decisive. Upon receiving the distress signal, emergency teams comprising personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, the Indian Army, and the SDRF, along with local fire services and volunteers, rushed to the spot. Their coordinated firefighting and rescue efforts ensured that all 47 passengers, along with the driver and conductor, were pulled to safety before the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames.

Impact and Ongoing Investigation

Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported. While the firefighting operation caused a temporary disruption to the traffic flow on the vital national highway, services were restored shortly after the situation was brought under control. Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the root cause of the fire, with preliminary suspicions pointing toward a potential mechanical failure or short circuit. As the Amarnath Yatra continues, such incidents highlight the need for stringent vehicle safety inspections on high-altitude routes.