Ramban, Jammu & Kashmir | July 5, 2025
At least 36 pilgrims suffered minor injuries early Saturday morning when five buses from the Pahalgam-bound Amarnath Yatra convoy were involved in a chain collision near the Chanderkote langar site in Ramban district. The accident occurred during a routine breakfast halt when the last bus in the convoy reportedly experienced brake failure and rammed into four stationary vehicles, triggering the pile-up .

Immediate Response and Medical Care
Rescue teams from the Jammu & Kashmir Police and the Health Department arrived on the scene within minutes. All injured pilgrims were swiftly transported to the District Hospital in Ramban, where they received prompt first-aid treatment. According to Deputy Commissioner Ilyas Khan, most of the injuries were minor, and the majority of the yatris were discharged after undergoing medical checks .

Replacement Buses Ensures Continuity of Yatra
To minimize disruption to the pilgrimage, the district administration arranged replacement buses on the spot. Remaining pilgrims were transferred into the fresh vehicles and the convoy resumed its journey toward the Pahalgam base camp later that morning .

Safety Measures Under Review
The administration has reiterated strict adherence to convoy protocols and vehicle maintenance checks along the challenging stretches of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway. Medical camps, mini-hospitals, and backup ambulances have been deployed at regular intervals along the route this year to bolster emergency preparedness . An official investigation into the precise cause of the brake failure is currently underway.