Pithoragarh: A devastating accident shook Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district on Tuesday evening when a Maxx Pick-up vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a 300-meter-deep gorge, leaving eight dead and five injured.
The mishap occurred near a bridge on the route between Muwani and Bokta villages under Thal police station.
जनपद पिथौरागढ़ के मुवानी क्षेत्र में वाहन के दुर्घटनाग्रस्त होने का अत्यंत दु:खद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ।
ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि दुर्घटना में दिवंगत हुए लोगों की आत्मा को श्रीचरणों में स्थान एवं शोक संतप्त परिजनों को यह असीम कष्ट सहन करने की शक्ति प्रदान करें।#Pithoragarh pic.twitter.com/XOwKk4fb0a— Anugrah Mishra (सनातनी) (@anugrah_mishra9) July 15, 2025
Accident was reported around 5:30 PM
According to Pithoragarh SP Rekha Yadav, the accident was reported around 5:30 PM. Thirteen people were traveling in the vehicle at the time. “Eight victims died on the spot. Four suffered minor injuries and are stable, while one person is critically injured and has been shifted to the district hospital,” she confirmed. Further treatment may be referred to a higher medical center if needed.
SDRF and rescue teams have been dispatched
Preliminary reports suggest the vehicle lost control while negotiating a sharp turn, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police were immediately dispatched to the site and have been conducting rescue and relief operations throughout the night.
CM Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed the administration to carry out rescue operations on a war footing. He has also instructed authorities to ensure timely and free medical treatment for all injured victims. “I am deeply pained by this tragic incident and offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” the CM said in a statement.
Locals gathered near the site, many assisting in rescue efforts as officials worked to retrieve the victims and clear the wreckage. The accident has cast a pall of grief across the region, underscoring the urgent need for improved road safety in Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain.