Srinagar, July 28: At least 39 pilgrims returning from the annual Amarnath Yatra were injured in a road accident in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Tuesday.
The accident occurred when a bus carrying pilgrims returning from the cave shrine skidded off the road near the Ganiwan Hariganiwan stretch in the Gund area of Kangan, Ganderbal district after driver reportedly lost control while negotiating a curve.
Thirty-nine pilgrims sustained injuries in the accident.
The injured pilgrims were rescued by police, SDRF personnel, local volunteers and health teams and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
As per the officials most of the pilgrims sustained head injuries, chest and back trauma, arm and forearm fractures, and leg injuries.
The pilgrims belonged to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and other states.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar and enquired about the health and well-being of pilgrims who were injured.
He met the injured pilgrims undergoing treatment at the hospital and wished them a speedy recovery.
The team of doctors briefed the Lieutenant Governor about the treatment being provided to the injured pilgrims.
Sinha directed the hospital administration to provide the highest standard of medical care to the injured.
He has also instructed the senior officials to ensure that all necessary assistance and personal care are extended to the pilgrims, and that arrangements for their safe return to their hometowns are prioritized upon their recovery.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the accident.
The Chief Minister directed the Health & Medical Education Department to ensure the best possible medical care for all the injured pilgrims and deputed Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura to personally oversee their treatment.
Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, the Health Minister visited SKIMS, where she met the injured pilgrims and enquired about their well-being.
She also interacted with the attending doctors and hospital authorities to assess the nature of injuries and the treatment being provided.
More than 4.22 lakh devotees had paid obeisance at the cave shrine till Monday afternoon, as the annual Amarnath Yatra continued smoothly via the Baltal route. The Pahalgam route remains closed until restoration work is completed and the track is thoroughly inspected and declared safe for the movement of pilgrims.