Tragedy Strikes in Uttarakhand: Bus Accident Claims 36 Lives, Leaves 27 Injured.
New Delhi:
A devastating bus accident in Almora district, Uttarakhand, has resulted in the loss of 36 lives, with 27 others critically injured. The tragedy unfolded near Koopi village in the Marchula area of Sult tehsil on Monday morning.
The private bus, operated by the Garhwal Motor Owners Association, was severely overcrowded, carrying 63 passengers despite a capacity of just 43. It was en route from Likhwal to Ramnagar and was approximately 35 kilometers from its destination when it plunged 200 meters into a gorge.
Rescue operations began shortly after the accident was reported at 8:45 am, with four teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) dispatched to the scene. Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi stated that rescuers had to break windows and cut through the bus’s metal structure to assist the victims.
District Magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey confirmed that immediate aid efforts were underway, involving police, the revenue department, and local administration. Injured individuals were referred to Ramnagar Hospital, with six patients currently receiving treatment at AIIMS Rishikesh, five of whom are in critical condition.
In response to the tragedy, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the suspension of Assistant Regional Transport officials in Pauri and Almora and announced financial assistance of Rs. 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 1 lakh for the injured. He has also called for a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
Prominent leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, President Droupadi Murmu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed their condolences and extended prayers for the injured. PM Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured, emphasizing the local administration’s commitment to providing necessary support.
The tragedy has been met with widespread sorrow, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures in public transportation.
