Tragedy struck four devoted Odia pilgrims en route to the sacred Maa Vaishnodevi temple in Jammu & Kashmir. What began as a spiritual journey turned fatal in a devastating road accident near Katra, claiming the lives of three individuals and leaving one critically injured.
The victims, all hailing from Subarnapur district in Odisha, were identified as Bichitra Kumar, Yogindra Matari, and Kabita Sahu. The sole survivor, Snehalata Matari, sustained severe injuries and is receiving intensive treatment at a hospital in Jammu, where medical teams are trying to stabilise her condition.
The accident occurred earlier today. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene on the winding roads leading to the temple town, but details of the crash’s cause remain under investigation by local authorities.
In a swift response, the Odisha government mobilised its resources to support the bereaved families. The Office of the Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Odisha Paribar Directorate and the Subarnapur District Administration, has coordinated the airlifting of the mortal remains back to Odisha. Expected to arrive by evening, the bodies will be handed over to relatives for last rites, with state officials ensuring dignified arrangements.
“All possible assistance is being extended to the injured pilgrim,” stated an official from the Odisha Paribar Directorate. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this unimaginable loss. The government stands united in solidarity.”—
