Major Accident On Mata Vaishno Devi Route: CSSF Matador Loses Control And Overturns; 14 Personnel Injured

Jammu Kashmir: On Sunday afternoon, a major road accident occurred on the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route. A Matador vehicle carrying Central Strategic Security Force (CSSF) personnel, deployed for the security of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, lost control and overturned on the road while traveling from Tarakote towards Katra.

What had happened?

A military vehicle overturned on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route. The vehicle was carrying CSSF soldiers. About 13 to 14 soldiers got injured and three are in critical condition. The accident happened between Tarakote and Katra. The vehicle lost control and the driver could not handle it. The vehicle flipped over on the road. It happened so fast and the soldiers did not have time to brace themselves. Several got hurt badly.

VIDEO | Katra: Nine injured as bus carrying CISF personnel skids near Tarakote on Mata Vaishno Devi route; admitted to Community Health Centre.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/u8605raeO8

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2026

Who helped them?

Local people rushed to help. They pulled soldiers out of the wrecked vehicle. They did not wait for instructions and involved in the just for the helped. All the injured were taken to the sub-district hospital in Katra right away.Hospital Response
Doctors treated 13 to 14 soldiers at Katra hospital. Three had serious injuries. Those three were sent to GMC Jammu for better care. The rest are being treated in Katra. Doctors are watching all of them closely.

What caused it?

The vehicle lost control. But what was the reason, is not cleared. If it was a mechanical problem, the bad road, or the driver's error. Investigators are looking into it. All possibilities are being checked.

Why this matters?

CSSF soldiers guard the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route. Thousands of pilgrims visit every day. These soldiers keep them safe and stand at different points on the route. This accident has worried both security forces and the administration. After the accident, traffic was blocked for a while, then it was cleared and started flowing again. The administration said that all injured are getting the best medical care possible. Once the investigation is done, they will say what caused the accident. Full details will be released.