Tragedy strikes: 36 dead as bus plunges into Uttarakhand gorge
The death toll from the bus accident in Uttarakhand’s Almora district has risen to 36. This morning, a 45-seater passenger bus plunged into a 200-meter-deep gorge at Marchula while traveling from Pauri in Garhwal to Ramnagar in Kumaon. Police and the State Disaster Response Force have initiated a rescue operation at the crash site.
Many passengers died instantly, while at least nine others succumbed to injuries after reaching the hospital. Authorities airlifted three seriously injured passengers to AIIMS for urgent treatment. The bus, operated by the Garhwal Motor Owners’ Union, is under investigation to determine how this tragedy occurred. Officials from Almora and Ramnagar are currently assessing the scene.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences and directed the district administration to expedite rescue efforts. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “I received very sad news about the casualties from the bus accident in Marchula. The district administration must conduct relief and rescue operations swiftly.”
The local administration and SDRF teams are working diligently to evacuate the injured and transport them to nearby medical facilities. The Chief Minister emphasized that instructions have been given to airlift seriously injured passengers if necessary.
In addition to rescue efforts, the Chief Minister ordered the suspension of the regional transport office officials in the area. He announced a compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured. Furthermore, a magisterial inquiry into the incident has been ordered to ensure accountability.
As the rescue operation continues, authorities aim to provide support to the victims and their families during this difficult time. The tragedy highlights the need for improved safety measures on the region’s roads.
