SRINAGAR, INDIA – In a devastating event, a bus carrying Hindu worshippers to the Shiv Khori temple in Jammu plummeted 150 feet into a gorge on Thursday, claiming the lives of at least 21 individuals, officials confirmed.
The bus, part of a pilgrimage convoy, lost control on a winding mountainous highway in Indian-controlled Kashmir. The accident left 35 passengers injured, with several in critical condition, according to health official Akhnoor Saleem Khan.
Rajinder Singh, the state’s transportation chief, emphasized that the bus was transporting pilgrims on a sacred journey, making the tragedy even more poignant. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, considering factors such as driver negligence, vehicle integrity, and road conditions.
India’s roads are among the most perilous in the world, with traffic accidents causing numerous fatalities each year. Contributing factors often include reckless driving, substandard road maintenance, and outdated vehicles. This incident starkly highlights the pressing need for enhanced road safety measures.
In a similar vein, a catastrophic event in 2022 saw a century-old cable suspension bridge in Gujarat collapse, resulting in over 130 fatalities. Such incidents call attention to the critical necessity for rigorous infrastructure upkeep and safety protocols.
As the investigation unfolds and rescue efforts persist, the nation grieves for the victims and hopes for the recovery of those injured in this heart-wrenching accident.