Amarnath yatra: 107 deaths in 2011

Jammu, Aug 13: As the annual Amarnath pilgrimage concludes today, 107 pilgrims lost their lives this year during the yatra, marking an increase of 39 deaths as compared to last year, while cardiac arrest claimed most of the lives.

"As many as 107 pilgrims lost their lives due to medical reasons, the prime among them being cardiac arrests and pulmonary failures this year," Chief Executive officer (CEO), Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), R K Goyal said today.

The yatra which began on June 29 concluded today at the 13500-feet high Cave shrine, which was visited by 6.35 lakh pilgrims this year.

"Shrine Board had provided all required financial help and logistical support for the medical treatment of those injured, for the transportation of dead bodies to various parts of the country, and in arranging evacuation, wherever required," Goyal said.

As many as 68 persons died due to medical reasons, particularly due to cardiac failure, during the annual Amarnath pilgrimage during 2010.

As compared to the 107 death in 2011, 45 persons lost their lives in the 2009 annual yatra.

PTI