J-K: 11 pilgrims dead after vehicle rolls down gorge

At least 11 people were killed after a vehicle carrying 'Machail Mata' devotees rolled down into the Chenab River.

The accident happened 28 kilometres from Kishtwar- towards Padder on Tuesday morning.

Initial reports suggest that a 5-year-old child is the lone survivor who is undergoing a treatment in a nearby hospital.

Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir, SP Vaid tweeted, "Another major accident in Kishtwar, a vehicle carrying Yatries to Machail Mata rolled down in river Chenab 28 kilometres from Kishtwar towards Padder, 5 yrs child lone survivor, about dozen feared dead."

The DGP added that "11 dead bodies recovered from accident spot, injured 5-year-old baby shifted to hospital."

Thousands of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Goddess Chandi around this time of the year.

The 40-day Machail Mata Yatra, as it's commonly called, started on July 25 this year. Scores of pilgrims tread through the treacherous mountainous route to reach the shrine nestled in the Himalayas at Padder.

Further details about the accident are awaited.