Samba, August 21, 2025 : A tragic accident struck pilgrims on their way to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine when their bus skidded off the Jammu–Pathankot highway and plunged into a gorge in Samba district on Thursday. One person was killed and 39 others were injured, officials said.
The mishap occurred at Jatwal after the bus, carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh to Katra, suffered a tyre burst near a small bridge.
The deceased has been identified as Iqbal Singh (45), a resident of Amroha, UP.
A massive rescue operation was launched soon after the crash. The injured were rushed to Samba hospital, while seven seriously wounded passengers were later shifted to AIIMS Vijaypur for advanced treatment.
