At Least 36 Dead In Bus Accident In Uttarakhand’s Almora
Almora, Uttarakhand: At least 36 people have died and several others injured after a bus carrying 40 plunged into a 200-meter-deep gorge in Uttarakhand’s Almora district on Monday, as per reports. The bus was travelling from Garhwal to Kumaon when the accident occurred in Marchula.
Rescue operations are underway with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on the scene. Amora SSP and disaster management officials are overseeing the rescue operations. According to officials, the death count is expected to rise.
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The death toll climbed after at least nine people succumbed to their injuries after reaching the hospital. Three others were airlifted and have been taken to AIIMS. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to X to state, “Very sad news has been received about the casualties of passengers in the unfortunate bus accident that took place in Marchula of Almora district. The district administration has been instructed to carry out relief and rescue operations swiftly.”
He added that the local administration and SDRF teams are working swiftly to evacuate the injured and get them immediate medical help. “Instructions have also been given to airlift seriously injured passengers if required,” he stated.
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
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his condolences and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.
The cause behind the accident is under investigation. The bus is owned by Garhwal Motor Owners Union Ltd. (GMOU).
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The bus reportedly lost control around 7 am near Sarad Bend and fell into the deep gorge along the Geet Jagir riverbank, according to an official. Based on initial reports, passengers were ejected due to the impact of the accident, while some managed to escape on their own.
The Chief Minister has directed the suspension of RTO officials in the area. He also announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of those killed in the bus tragedy. Rs 1 lakh has been set aside for those injured.
