Uttarakhand News: In a devastating accident in Uttarakhand’s Almora district, at least 36 passengers lost their lives, and 19 others were injured after a bus plunged into a deep gorge on Monday.
The bus, which was carrying over 30 people, was traveling from Nainidanda in Pauri district to Ramnagar in Nainital when the tragic incident took place near the Salt area in Marchula.
Rescue operations underway
Following the accident, police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams immediately mobilized to the site to carry out rescue operations. According to Almora’s Superintendent of Police, Devendra Pincha, the death toll could rise further as efforts continue. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to retrieve survivors from the scene and provide them with immediate medical assistance.
Initial alert raised by passengers
Reports indicate that the accident was reported to local authorities around 9 am by passengers who were thrown out of the bus during the fall. The incident has raised concerns about road safety and transportation infrastructure in the region.
Financial aid announced for victims’ families
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, allocated from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also extended his support, pledging ₹4 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹1 lakh for each injured individual.
Chief Minister Dhami has directed the Commissioner of the Kumaon division to conduct a detailed magisterial inquiry into the incident to identify the factors contributing to the accident. Additionally, he has ordered the suspension of the assistant regional transport officer (Enforcement) in the area. “Very sad news has been received about the casualties of passengers in the unfortunate bus accident that took place in Marchula of Almora district. The district administration has been instructed to carry out relief and rescue operations swiftly,” Dhami posted on X.
President Murmu expresses condolences
President Draupadi Murmu also extended her condolences, sharing heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved families. “The news of the death of many people, including women and children, in a road accident in Almora, Uttarakhand is heart-rending. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” she wrote on X.
Airlift support and rapid medical response
The Uttarakhand administration is actively working to ensure timely medical assistance for all survivors. “The local administration and SDRF teams at the accident site are working rapidly to evacuate the injured and take them to the nearest health center for treatment. Instructions have also been given to airlift seriously injured passengers if required,” Chief Minister Dhami added in his post.
