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Tragic Bus Accident in Uttarakhand Gorge
Tragic Uttarakhand Bus Accident Claims 36 Lives
On Monday, a tragic Uttarakhand bus accident took the lives of at least 36 people and injured 24 others when a bus fell into a steep gorge in Almora district. The accident involved a privately-operated bus carrying approximately 60 passengers, significantly exceeding its 43-seater capacity. The overloaded vehicle was en route from Pauri in Garhwal to Ramnagar in Kumaon when it lost control and plunged nearly 200 meters down into a rocky gorge near a rivulet in Almora’s Marchula area, just 35 kilometers from its destination.
Chief Minister Announces Financial Assistance
Following the Uttarakhand bus accident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his deep condolences and announced ex-gratia financial support for the victims’ families. As per an official statement, a compensation of Rs 4 lakh has been allotted for the families of those who lost their lives, while Rs 1 lakh will be provided to the injured survivors. The chief minister is reportedly on his way to the accident site to assess the situation firsthand and ensure that relief efforts are progressing efficiently.
Rescue Operations at the Accident Site
Rescue teams comprising police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were immediately dispatched to the scene of the Uttarakhand bus accident. The steep, forested terrain posed significant challenges, but rescuers worked tirelessly to evacuate victims and retrieve the bodies of those who had succumbed to injuries.
Visuals from the site captured the heartbreaking extent of the accident: the mangled wreckage of the bus lay scattered along the rocky slope, illustrating the intensity of the fall. Rescuers could be seen pulling survivors from the twisted metal remains and transporting them to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.
Critically Injured Passengers Airlifted
Among the 24 people injured in the Uttarakhand bus accident, four are in critical condition. To ensure they receive the best possible care, three of the critically injured were airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh, while one was transported to Sushila Tiwari Hospital in Haldwani. Local authorities and medical teams are coordinating efforts to provide prompt treatment for all survivors, with continuous monitoring of those with severe injuries.
Possible Cause of the Accident
The District Magistrate of Almora, Alok Kumar Pandey, indicated that the Uttarakhand bus accident might have been caused by overloading, as around 60 passengers were on board a 43-seater bus. The bus, operated by the Garhwal Motor Owners Association, was making an overnight journey from Pauri to Ramnagar. Authorities have ordered a magisterial probe into the incident to thoroughly investigate any possible violations of transport regulations and mechanical failures. In light of this tragedy, Assistant Regional Transport Officers in both Pauri and Almora have been suspended pending further investigation.
Condolences from National Leaders
Prominent leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressed sorrow over the Uttarakhand bus accident. President Murmu conveyed her condolences on social media, describing the accident as heart-rending, and extended her prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah similarly conveyed his sympathies, pledging government support in the immediate care of survivors. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered prayers for the souls of the departed and for the injured to recover swiftly.
Chief Minister Dhami’s Statement and Actions
Chief Minister Dhami took to social media to express his grief over the tragic Uttarakhand bus accident. He stated that he has directed the district administration and SDRF teams to expedite relief efforts and assist the injured by transferring them to health facilities as needed. He further assured the public that air evacuation would be provided for severely injured individuals if required. The chief minister’s statement highlighted the priority placed on swift and effective response in this time of tragedy.
Call for Road Safety Reforms
The Uttarakhand bus accident underscores the pressing need for enhanced road safety measures, particularly on the hilly terrains of Uttarakhand where such incidents are not uncommon. Steep roads, coupled with overloading, are known risk factors that heighten the likelihood of accidents. Transportation authorities in the state may need to revisit and strengthen regulations on passenger limits and road safety protocols to prevent such occurrences. The magisterial inquiry ordered by the authorities will hopefully yield insights into the causes of this incident, potentially leading to policy improvements that enhance passenger safety.
Conclusion
This tragic Uttarakhand bus accident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with mountainous travel, especially on crowded and often treacherous roads. While the Indian government has extended financial assistance to the affected families, the aftermath calls for a renewed focus on road safety reforms and stricter adherence to transport regulations. As the families of the victims mourn, the nation stands united in its call for improved safety measures that will prevent similar tragedies in the future.
