Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragic bus accident in the Gholthir area of Rudraprayag, where an 18-seater bus lost control and plunged into the Alaknanda River, claiming one life and injuring seven others.
In a post on X, CM Dhami said: “The news of a tempo traveller falling into a river in Rudraprayag district is deeply tragic. Relief and rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing by SDRF and other rescue teams. I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter. I pray to God for everyone’s safety.”
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local police and administration, promptly initiated rescue efforts. Due to the strong river currents, search operations have extended up to the Srinagar Garhwal dam, about 40 km from the accident site, where it’s feared that some passengers may have been swept.
IG Nilesh Anand Bharane, spokesperson for the Police Headquarters, confirmed that 18 passengers were onboard the ill-fated vehicle.
“A bus went out of control and fell into the Alaknanda River. As per initial reports, 18 people were onboard,” he said.
Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated that one person died and seven others sustained injuries in the crash. The injured are receiving treatment at the district hospital, and arrangements are being made to airlift the seriously injured to AIIMS for advanced care.
Rescue and recovery operations continue as authorities strive to trace any missing individuals and ensure the safety of survivors.