A vehicle carrying Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims overturned in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, resulting in one fatality and 14 injuries. The incident occurred near Katra, close to Murree, as the vehicle was traveling from Katra to Jammu.
Bus accidents in hilly areas like Jammu and Kashmir and north India are often caused by challenging factors such as steep inclines, narrow roads, sharp turns, and unpredictable weather conditions. Maneuvering through such terrain can be particularly challenging for drivers who lack experience in navigating hilly areas.
The injured individuals have been taken to the hospital, and the police are present at the scene. In previous incidents, a minibus overturned in Udhampur district, injuring around 27 passengers, and a bus accident in Pulwama district claimed four lives and injured 28 people.
Bus accidents in hilly areas like Jammu and Kashmir can be attributed to various factors, including steep inclines, narrow roads, sharp turns, and unpredictable weather conditions. The challenging terrain poses difficulties, particularly for inexperienced drivers.
Additionally, poor road conditions, including inadequate maintenance, lack of safety features, potholes, insufficient signage, and lighting, contribute to the risks. Overcrowding and overloading of buses also play a significant role, in affecting vehicle stability, maneuverability, and passenger safety. The combination of these factors increases the likelihood of accidents and reduces the chances of survival in case of mishaps.
