In a devastating accident on Monday morning, a passenger bus carrying 42 people veered off the road and fell into a 150-foot-deep gorge near Kupi in Almora, Uttarakhand. The accident occurred around 8:00 a.m., resulting in the tragic death of 36 people, with six others sustaining injuries. Local authorities have warned that the death toll could rise further as rescue operations continue in the area.
PM Modi condoles
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives in a severe road accident in Almora, Uttarakhand. In a statement shared on social media by @PMOIndia, the Prime Minister conveyed his sorrow for the affected families, along with his sincere wishes for the swift recovery of all those injured in the accident.
"I extend my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the unfortunate road accident in Almora, Uttarakhand. I am also praying for the speedy recovery of all the injured," said the Prime Minister.
PM Modi has further has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from Prime Ministers National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.
Bus lodged in a tree
The bus, traveling from Kinnath to Ramnagar, reportedly lost control and plunged into the gorge, throwing several passengers out of the windows due to the force of the fall. The vehicle became lodged in a tree approximately 10 feet from the riverbank, which prevented it from descending further. Kumaon Division Commissioner Deepak Rawat confirmed the casualty count, saying, "36 passengers have died in the accident, and search operations are ongoing."
Rescue teams rush to spot
Vineet Pal, Disaster Management Officer, stated that rescue teams from nearby towns Salt and Ranikhet responded swiftly to the scene. According to Pal, "28 people died on the spot, while 8 succumbed to injuries in the hospital." An emergency response team, including Almora's Superintendent of Police and a force from Nainital, arrived to aid in the rescue operations, joined by a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) unit.
Cause of the Accident
Preliminary investigations suggest that the bus, operated by Garhwal Motors Owners Union Limited, was in poor condition. The bus reportedly went out of control near Kupi, a steep and winding section of the road. Many passengers were locals returning to work after the Diwali holidays, which led to the bus being crowded. Officials suspect that the bus’s poor maintenance and high passenger load may have contributed to the tragedy.
Compensation announced
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a compensation package for the victims, with Rs 4 lakh to be given to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for each of the injured. Additionally, he has directed a magisterial inquiry into the incident. The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) enforcement officials in Pauri and Almora have been suspended as part of the ongoing investigation.
Critically injured rushed to AIIMS
The injured passengers were initially taken to a nearby hospital in Ramnagar. Given the severity of some cases, arrangements were made to airlift critically injured people to Haldwani and Rishikesh AIIMS for specialized care. A team of expert doctors from AIIMS was dispatched by helicopter to Ramnagar Hospital to assist in the emergency response.
CM Dhami Returns from Delhi
Chief Minister Dhami, who was in Delhi attending a BJP meeting, returned immediately to Uttarakhand upon learning of the tragedy. Accompanied by MP Anil Baluni, Dhami prioritized addressing the incident and overseeing relief efforts. Commissioner Deepak Rawat later confirmed that four critically injured passengers were airlifted to AIIMS in Rishikesh by helicopter for advanced medical treatment.
As rescue and relief efforts continue, the Uttarakhand government and local authorities are focused on ensuring all affected passengers receive necessary care, while the community mourns the loss of so many lives in this tragic accident.
(PRAKASH KUMAR PANDEY)
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