- At least 19 people injured after bus fell into gorge in Uttarakhand’s Almora
- Overloading of bus suspected to be reason behind accident, inquiry ordered
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister announces Rs 4 lakh each for families of deceased
A Devastating Incident
In a tragic accident on the Pauri-Almora border near Kupi, Uttarakhand, a bus carrying over 30 passengers plunged into a deep gorge, resulting in the deaths of 36 people and leaving 19 others seriously injured. The bus, which was enroute from Nainidanda in Pauri district to Ramnagar in Nainital, encountered the accident in the Marchula-Salt area. Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were immediately deployed to the scene to conduct rescue and relief operations.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Following the accident, which was reported to authorities around 9 am, police and rescue teams worked swiftly to locate survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The Almora District Disaster Control Room has reported that 23 bodies have been recovered, and search efforts continue as authorities fear the death toll could rise. Rescue operations are ongoing, with local police, NDRF, and SDRF teams actively involved in the challenging task of retrieving victims from the gorge.
Possible Causes of the Accident
Preliminary reports suggest that overloading might have contributed to the accident, though authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause. Almora Superintendent of Police Devendra Pincha indicated that the condition of the bus and other safety factors would also be examined. Witnesses reported seeing some passengers thrown from the bus, which highlights the need for improved safety measures and strict adherence to transport regulations in the region.
Government Response and Financial Assistance
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami responded swiftly by ordering the suspension of Assistant Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) officials from Pauri and Almora districts. The Chief Minister announced a compensation package of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for each injured victim, acknowledging the impact on the affected families. Additionally, he has directed the Commissioner of the Kumaon Division to conduct a magisterial inquiry into the incident to ensure accountability and prevent such tragedies in the future.
A Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and enforcement in Uttarakhand’s public transport sector. As the state mourns the loss, authorities are called upon to ensure accountability and improve transport safety to prevent similar occurrences. The government’s commitment to investigate and support affected families offers some solace, but lasting solutions are essential to safeguard the lives of passengers in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)
