Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has urged swift rescue efforts following a tragic bus accident in Almora.
Dehradun: The death toll in a bus accident in Almora district, Uttarakhand, has risen to 36. A 45-seater bus fell into a 200-meter gorge in Marchula this morning while traveling from Pauri in Garhwal to Ramnagar in Kumaon, about 35 km from its destination of Rampur.
The accident occurred around 8:25 am, with local residents being the first to assist in the rescue. Many passengers died at the scene, and at least nine others later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Three critically injured passengers were airlifted to AIIMS for urgent medical care.
The bus, operated by the Garhwal Motor Owners’ Union, is under investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that adverse weather conditions and steep terrain may have contributed to the tragedy. Officials from Almora and Ramnagar are on-site to oversee the rescue operations, coordinating with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police.
Chief Minister Dhami expressed his condolences, stating, “I am saddened by the news of casualties in the bus accident at Marchula. The district administration has been instructed to expedite rescue efforts.” Local teams are working tirelessly to evacuate the injured to health centers and will airlift those in critical condition if needed. The community has come together, with many offering assistance and supplies to help the rescue teams.
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In response to the tragedy, the Chief Minister has ordered the suspension of RTO officials in the area and announced ₹4 lakh in compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured. He emphasized the need for improved safety measures on mountainous routes to prevent similar incidents in the future. A magisterial inquiry into the incident has also been initiated to ensure accountability and to uncover the factors that led to this devastating accident.
The state government has pledged to provide full support to the affected families during this difficult time, as well as to review and enhance the safety protocols for public transport in the region.
