In Uttarakhand’s Almora district, a passenger bus carrying 45 people met with a tragic accident on Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of at least 36 passengers. According to officials, the bus was traveling from Pauri in the Garhwal region to Ramnagar in Kumaon when it veered off course, plunging into a 200-meter-deep gorge near Marchula. District authorities have been working to uncover the cause of the accident, as a detailed probe has been initiated.
The Garhwal Motor Owners’ Union-operated bus was navigating a route notorious for its challenging terrain, where steep and winding roads pose frequent threats to motorists. Upon receiving information about the accident, Uttarakhand’s State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police sprang into action, mobilizing a large-scale rescue operation at the site. Despite the urgent response, several passengers succumbed to injuries on the spot, while others passed away at the hospital. Nine severely injured passengers, initially transported to nearby health facilities, have since been airlifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for advanced treatment.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami responded promptly to the tragic news, instructing the district administration to accelerate the ongoing rescue operations. In a post on social media platform X, he expressed his condolences and assured that every possible measure is being taken to provide aid. “Received very sad news of casualties of passengers in the unfortunate bus accident that took place in Marchula of Almora district. The district administration has been instructed to conduct relief and rescue operations swiftly,” he posted.
To facilitate efficient treatment of the injured, SDRF teams have coordinated efforts to move the injured to the closest health centers. The Chief Minister has further instructed authorities to airlift those with severe injuries if necessary. “The local administration and SDRF teams are working swiftly to evacuate the injured and take them to the nearest health center for treatment. Instructions have also been given to airlift the seriously injured passengers if required,” he added.
Alongside rescue and medical efforts, the Chief Minister has announced compensation packages for the victims’ families. A ₹4 lakh compensation will be provided to the families of deceased victims, while those injured will receive ₹1 lakh. The government has also announced that Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials in the area will be suspended as a disciplinary measure to address potential negligence contributing to this tragic accident.
A magisterial inquiry is now underway to determine the circumstances leading to the accident, examining both the condition of the bus and the management of routes by the transport company involved. District officials from Almora and Ramnagar, as well as the SDRF, remain on-site, working diligently to provide any additional support needed.
This tragic bus accident in Almora highlights the risks associated with mountainous terrains in Uttarakhand and the need for stricter safety protocols. The swift response from rescue teams and the government’s immediate action offers some solace to the grieving families. As the investigation unfolds, many hope that this incident will prompt enhanced safety measures on Uttarakhand’s high-risk routes. Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families in this difficult time.
(Uttarakhand bus accident, Almora bus tragedy, 36 killed Uttarakhand, rescue operation Uttarakhand accident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami)
