A tragic bus accident in northern India has claimed the lives of at least 36 passengers and left over 20 injured. The incident occurred on Monday morning in the Almora district of Uttarakhand state, when an overcrowded and poorly maintained bus veered off the road and plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge.
The bus, operated by the Garhwal Motor Owners Union Ltd (GMOU), was en route from the Garhwal to the Kumaon region, carrying approximately 60 passengers—well beyond its capacity. Initial investigations suggest that the aging vehicle skidded before tumbling down the steep terrain near Marchula, about two kilometers from its destination.
Rescue operations commenced promptly, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local authorities working tirelessly to evacuate survivors. Seven critically injured passengers were airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh for advanced medical care. Authorities fear the death toll may rise, as several hospitalized individuals remain in critical condition.
In response to the tragedy, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a compensation of â‚ą400,000 for the families of the deceased and â‚ą100,000 for the injured. Additionally, two transport officials have been suspended for approving the bus despite its dilapidated condition.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the bus accident in Uttarakhand. My thoughts are with the bereaved families during this tragic time.” The Prime Minister’s office also announced financial aid of â‚ą200,000 for the families of the deceased and â‚ą50,000 for those injured.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of road safety in India, particularly in mountainous regions like Uttarakhand. The combination of poorly maintained vehicles, overcrowding, and treacherous terrain contributes to the country’s high rate of road fatalities. According to government data, India records approximately 160,000 road accident deaths annually, with many incidents occurring in rural and hilly areas.
As rescue efforts continue and investigations proceed, this tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for stringent safety measures and regulations to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.
