7 security personnel killed as bus falls into a gorge in J&K's Pahalgam

While returning from Amarnath Yatra duties on Tuesday, a bus fell into a deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam area, killing six Indo Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) personnel and a policeman while 32 others were severely injured, an official revealed.

The police bus had total 37 ITBP personnel and two policemen, a police official said.

He added that two ITBP personnel died on the spot, while five others succumbed to injuries later.


According to the official, six of the injured members of the military are in severe condition and are being flown to Srinagar for specialised care.

The 37 ITBP employees and two JKP employees were being freed from their duties during the Amarnath Yatra, which was completed on August 11, a senior officer said.

"A bus carrying 39 personnel fell down into a roadside river bed after its brakes reportedly failed. The troops were on their way from Chandanwari to Pahalgam. Casualties are feared and more details are awaited," said ITBP spokesperson in Delhi.

A Border Security Force (BSF) helicopter has been pressed to airlift the casualties, officials added.

President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar have condoled the loss of lives, with Murmu tweeting, "The tragic loss of precious lives of ITBP personnel in the unfortunate accident at Anantnag, J&K fills me with sadness. My heartfelt condolences for the bereaved families. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured."

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said all possible assistance is being provided to the injured security personnel.

Inputs from PTI