One Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrim was killed and six suffered injuries, three critically, when a landslide was triggered due to heavy rain near Ban Ganga on old track in Katra town of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir, police said today.
They said that a big boulder hit near ‘Langar’ (community kitchen) area at Ban Ganga on old track this morning.
At least seven pilgrims were injured, three of them critically, adding “rescue operation was launched and the injured were shifted to the hospital.”
The critically injured pilgrims were admitted to the Narayana Hospital, Kakrayal in Katra, said police, adding that one of them succumbed later.
Officials said that the yatra has been suspended on the old track but progressing smoothly from Tarakote Marg towards Bhawan.
Police team along with Shrine Board staff and locals are engaged in road clearance, they said adding, “around 18,000 to 20,000 pilgrims are daily visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine nestled in Trikuta Hills of Katra.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the tragic landslide incident and is said to be closely monitoring the situation.
Officials said the LG has directed the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to provide best possible medical care and support to the injured pilgrims.
The Lieutenant Governor posted on X: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic landslide incident at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in which a devotee unfortunately lost his life. Directed Shrine Board to provide best possible medical care and support to the injured pilgrims. I am constantly monitoring the situation.”
