Jaipur, July 17: A bus carrying pilgrims returning from the Amarnath Yatra in Rajasthan caught fire after a tire burst. The incident occurred near Karol on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in the Ramban district. Fortunately, all passengers were safely evacuated, preventing a major disaster. On Friday, the Jammu and Kashmir administration arranged alternative transportation for the pilgrims to continue their journey back to Rajasthan.
Initial reports indicate that the pilgrims were residents of Dhakarda village in the Salumber district of Rajasthan and were returning after visiting the Amarnath cave temple. The bus was completely destroyed, resulting in the loss of passengers’ belongings, cash, clothing, and important documents.
Authorities stated that the fire was triggered by the rear tire bursting while the bus was traveling through the Ramban area. The fire spread rapidly, filling the vehicle with smoke and causing panic among the passengers.
The driver, local residents, and emergency responders managed to evacuate everyone on board before the flames engulfed the bus completely. While all pilgrims escaped unharmed, their belongings were lost in the blaze.
The news of the incident initially caused concern among the families of the pilgrims in Salumber district. However, relief followed once officials confirmed that everyone was safe.
Police, fire services, highway authorities, and district administration officials arrived at the scene to control the fire, which had already reduced the bus to ashes.
The rescued pilgrims received first aid, drinking water, and other immediate assistance. Since their belongings were destroyed, the administration facilitated alternative transportation to Jammu and assisted with their return to Rajasthan.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated that he reviewed the situation with senior officials and the Deputy Commissioner of Ramban following the incident. In a post on the social media platform X, Sinha expressed gratitude that all pilgrims were safe, attributing their safety to the grace of Lord Shiva. He directed the Ramban district administration to provide immediate assistance to the pilgrims and arrange for their safe return to Rajasthan.
The Deputy Commissioner of Ramban reported that a swift rescue operation was launched after the bus caught fire near Karol on NH-44. A statement released on X confirmed that all passengers were safely rescued and provided with relief materials and alternative transportation for their onward journey.
The rescue operation was led by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aliyas Khan and Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta. Officials are investigating the exact cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest it was caused by the tire bursting, but a definitive confirmation of the sequence of events has yet to be established.
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