Jammu, Jun 24 (KNS): Twenty-three pilgrims were injured, two of them seriously, after a minibus carrying devotees to the Sukrala Mata shrine skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on Wednesday, officials said.
The accident took place in the Simbli area when the vehicle was on its way to the shrine. Preliminary reports suggest the driver lost control of the minibus, causing it to roll down a deep gorge, the officials said.
Officials said 23 people sustained injuries in the mishap, while the condition of two passengers was stated to be critical. Doctors are monitoring their health closely, they added.
Police personnel, civil administration officials and volunteers participated in the rescue operation, which continued for several hours after the accident.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash. Further details are awaited.(KNS)