Horror on the Way to Vaishno Devi: Pilgrim Bus from UP Plunges 30 Feet Off Bridge in J&K’s Samba, One Killed and 40 Injured

Samba (The Uttam Hindu): A tragic bus accident took place early Thursday morning in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the life of one pilgrim on the spot and leaving nearly 40 passengers injured. The victims were pilgrims from Amroha district in Uttar Pradesh, traveling to Katra for Mata Vaishno Devi darshan.

According to reports, the accident occurred when a bus (Registration No. UP 81 BT 7688) traveling from Kathua to Katra suddenly suffered a tyre burst near Jatwal area of Samba. The vehicle went out of control and plunged nearly 30 feet down from a bridge.

Local residents and passersby immediately rushed to the spot and began rescue operations. The injured were taken to Samba District Hospital for first aid. Among them, eight passengers were in critical condition and were later shifted to AIIMS Vijaypur for advanced treatment.

Upon receiving information, police and administrative officials arrived at the site to carry out rescue operations. A passenger shared that they had started from Amroha and were on their way to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The bus had children and women onboard, and almost everyone sustained injuries.

Some passengers alleged that the driver’s negligence led to the accident. One survivor recounted, “We were asleep when suddenly the bus fell nearly 30 feet from the bridge.” Another said they had left home on August 18, visited Chamunda Devi and Jawalaji temples, and were on their way to Vaishno Devi when the mishap occurred around 1:30 AM.