13 Pilgrims were injured when their bus crashed into a truck, on Jammu Srinagar National Highway in Jammu, today. 3,419 pilgrims, with 680 women and 201 ‘sadhus’had been taken from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp and were being led toward the holy site. 10 pilgrims hailed from the state of Jhansi, while the other three were the citizens of Gwalior. The reports suggest that the accident took place in the morning at 5:30 am, on Dherma bridge in Mallard area of Udhampur district. The driver lost control of the truck and collided with the truck that was standing. The pilgrims who were injured in the accident have been admitted to the hospital in Udhampur. Three of the pilgrims are in a serious condition, and are being transferred to the Government Medical College Hospital, that is situated in Jammu.
Amarnath Yatra is one of the most arduous pilgrimages, as the Holy Shivling that the people want to pray before, is situated in a cave that is at altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft), and about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
It is one of the holiest sites in India, and is covered with snow throughout the year, only thawing in the summers, in which it can be opened up for pilgrims, who should pass the treacherous mountain areas to reach it. There has been increased security for the pilgrims this years, because of the threat of violence and attack from terrorists from Pakistan. It is going to take 2 months for the pilgrims to reach the holy cave, and the forces are going to patrol the sensitive areas for any potential threats. The Meteorological Department of India has predicted that the pilgrims could suffer some difficulties as there is a heavy possibility of rains in the area, but since there is already information, caution should be practiced by the people while they’re traveling up.
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