Sixteen people died on Sunday after a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims fell off the road into a gorge on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, police officials said. The accident, which happened near Banihal, also caused injuries to 19 passengers.

The annual pilgrimage to Anantnag is scheduled to conclude on the August 7. A rescue operation by the Indian Army is underway, a statement said.

Eight Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag on July 10.

Helpline numbers:

The state government announced helpline numbers for those seeking information about the victims.

  • 0191-2542000
  • 0191-2560401

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announce a relief package of Rs two lakh for each of the deceased victim’s families and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the accident.