Katra, Sept 02: In a tragic incident on Monday, two pilgrims were killed when a landslide struck the new track leading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. The landslide occurred near Panchi, approximately three kilometers from Bhawan, at around 2:35 p.m., according to officials.
The disaster, which also damaged a portion of an overhead iron structure, has raised concerns that more pilgrims could be trapped under the debris. The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board promptly initiated rescue and relief operations at the site.
“Shooting stones and a landslide have occurred on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine track. The Disaster Management team of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has reached the spot,” stated the CEO of the Shrine Board.
The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures on the pilgrimage routes to prevent further loss of life.