Uttarakhand Bus Accident: At Least 36 Dead, Many Feared Trapped In Gorge; Rescue Teams Deployed

A bus plunged into a gorge near Kupi on the Pauri-Almora border in Uttarakhand's Ramnagar.

Picture source: PTI

Uttarakhand Bus Accident: A Garwal Motors bus fell into a gorge near Kupi on the Pauri-Almora border in Uttarakhand’s Ramnagar. Initial reports fear multiple deaths and injuries. The crash killed 36 people on the spot, reported Zee news TV. Search and rescue teams are working to reach survivors in the difficult terrain. Local authorities are providing support to families as they await updates.

Over 4o people were on board the bus that was headed towards Ramnagar. The accident occurred when the vehicle was about 2 hours away from its destination. Bus was carrying passengers from Garhwal to Kumaon when it plunged into a 200-meter-deep gorge in Almora district, reportedly due to overloading at the time of the accident. Both SDRF and NDRF teams have arrived at the site, and rescue operations are underway.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami contacted the Secretary of Disaster Management, Kumaon Division Commissioner, and Almora District Magistrate regarding the bus accident in Almora, reported ANI.  He gathered details on the incident and directed swift action on rescue and relief efforts. 

#WATCH | Uttarakhand: A Garwal Motors Users' bus fell into a gorge near Kupi in Ramnagar at Pauri-Almora border. Deaths and injuries feared. Search and rescue operation underway. Details awaited.

(Video: SDRF) pic.twitter.com/dzSgKw6tkF — ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2024

In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Dhami issued a statement on social media highlighting the need for immediate relief efforts: “The unfortunate news has come in regarding the casualties of passengers in a bus accident that occurred in Marchula, Almora district. The district administration has been directed to swiftly carry out relief and rescue operations.” 

He added that severely injured passengers would be airlifted as necessary.