23 Pilgrims Injured As Minibus Plunges Into Gorge In Kathua

 Kathua , 24 June : At least 23 pilgrims sustained injuries on Wednesday after a minibus carrying devotees to the revered Sukrala Mata Shrine plunged into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.

Doctors confirmed that two of the injured remain in critical condition.

Officials stated that the accident occurred in the Simbli area near Billawar town when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while travelling towards the famous hilltop shrine.

The minibus was transporting devotees to the temple when it veered off the road and fell into a gorge.

The incident triggered an immediate rescue response from local authorities and residents.

Emergency teams shifted all injured passengers to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Doctors attending to the victims reported that while most suffered minor to moderate injuries, two pilgrims sustained serious wounds.

Police personnel, civil administration officials and residents jointly conducted the rescue operation.

Responders quickly reached the accident site and assisted in evacuating the injured passengers.

Authorities have registered the incident and launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the mishap.

The Sukrala Mata Shrine is one of the most respected Hindu pilgrimage centres in the region.

The temple, dedicated to Goddess Mal Devi, an incarnation of Sharda Devi, stands atop a hillock approximately 3,500 feet above sea level near Billawar in Kathua district.

Devotees worship the deity in the form of a sacred stone slab placed on a brass lion. Religious traditions regard the Goddess as the elder sister of Mata Vaishno Devi.

The shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, particularly during Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri, when elaborate decorations and special prayers draw large gatherings of devotees seeking blessings.