Uttarakhand: Death count rises to 36 after passenger bus plunges into gorge in Almora

A tragic accident in Uttarakhand saw a passenger bus plunged into a gorge near Kupi, resulting in the recovery of 36 bodies from the wreckage. The bus, carrying 46 passengers, was en route from Pauri to Ramnagar. Rescue operations are ongoing with local police joining the efforts.

Ramnagar: A tragic accident occurred near Kupi on the Pauri-Almora border when a bus plunged into a gorge, resulting in the deaths of 36 people and leaving several injured. According to the Almora District Disaster Control Room, emergency services rushed to the scene for rescue and relief operations. The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals, while authorities investigate the cause of the accident.

According to reports, the bus carrying 46 passengers was on its way to Ramnagar from Pauri district when the incident took place. Local authorities have begun an emergency rescue operation.

Rescue operations underway

Initial reports indicated that the bus belonging to the Garhwal Motor Users fleet met with an accident while travelling near Kupai. Local police and National Disaster Management Authority have been rushed to the spot for rescue life. So far, 23 bodies have been recovered from the gorge and recovery operations are underway.

CM Dhami suspends ARTO officials, announces compensation for victims

In response to the accident in Almora, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the suspension of the ARTO enforcement officials from Pauri and Almora districts.

Additionally, the CM announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for each injured victim. He has also instructed the Commissioner of the Kumaon Division to conduct a magistrate-level inquiry into the incident.

Expressing grief over the tragic incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “I have received extremely sad news regarding the casualties in the bus accident in Marchula, Almora district. I have directed the district administration to expedite the relief and rescue operations. Local administration and SDRF teams are actively working to transport the injured to the nearest health center. Instructions have also been given to airlift critically injured passengers if necessary.”

Meanwhile, the Kumaon Commissioner and Chief Secretary Deepak Rawat have left for the site of the incident in Almora. Officials and staff from Nainital district have also been dispatched to the location. Additionally, the Sub-District Magistrate of Haldwani, Paritosh Verma, is en route to the scene.

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