A tragic accident in Uttarakhand’s Almora district left at least 20 people dead and many injured on Monday after a bus plunged into a 200-meter-deep gorge, according to District Magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey. The bus, which was en route from Garhwal to Kumaon, lost control near Marchula, leading to the fatal accident.
Rising Death Toll Expected
Pandey reported that seven deaths were confirmed initially, but authorities fear the number may increase as around 40 passengers were on board at the time of the crash. Search and rescue efforts are underway with police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) working on site.
Chief Minister Extends Condolences
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his grief over the incident, stating, “I am saddened by the news of casualties in the unfortunate bus accident in Marchula, Almora district.” He mentioned that the district administration has been directed to conduct swift relief and rescue operations.
जनपद अल्मोड़ा के मार्चुला में हुई दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण बस दुर्घटना में यात्रियों के हताहत होने का अत्यंत दुःखद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ। जिला प्रशासन को तेजी के साथ राहत एवं बचाव अभियान चलाने के निर्देश दिए हैं।
घटनास्थल पर स्थानीय प्रशासन एवं SDRF की टीमें घायलों को निकालकर उपचार के लिए…
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) November 4, 2024
Relief Efforts and Medical Aid
Dhami added that local authorities and SDRF teams are actively evacuating the injured, who are being taken to nearby medical facilities. Additionally, arrangements are in place to airlift severely injured passengers if needed.
