A bus carrying pilgrims from Rajasthan returning after the Shri Amarnath Yatra caught fire following a tyre burst on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) near Karol in Ramban district. All passengers were evacuated safely, averting a major tragedy, while authorities arranged alternative transport for their onward journey back to Rajasthan.
According to preliminary information, the pilgrims belonged to Dhakarda village in Salumbar district of Rajasthan and were returning after paying obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine. The incident occurred when the rear tyre of the bus burst while the vehicle was travelling through the Ramban area, after which the fire quickly spread across the bus.
The sudden blaze filled the vehicle with smoke and caused panic among passengers, but the driver, local residents and emergency responders acted swiftly to evacuate everyone on board. Although no injuries or casualties were reported, the bus was completely destroyed in the fire, along with passengers’ luggage, cash, clothes and important documents.
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Following the incident, police personnel, fire services, highway officials and district administration teams reached the spot and brought the fire under control. The rescued pilgrims were provided with first aid, drinking water and immediate assistance, while arrangements were made to help them continue their return journey.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation with senior officials and Ramban Deputy Commissioner following the incident. He said all pilgrims were safe and directed the district administration to provide necessary support and ensure their safe return to Rajasthan.
The Ramban district administration said the rescue operation was carried out promptly under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire, with initial reports indicating that the blaze was triggered by a tyre burst.
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