A tragic accident in Uttarakhand’s Almora district claimed seven lives and left 12 others injured when a passenger bus fell into a deep gorge on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred near Salapani on the Bhikiyasain‑Ramnagar road, reportedly after the driver lost control at a sharp bend.
Rescue operations were launched immediately by the police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with local villagers assisting in reaching survivors amid the challenging terrain. Six passengers died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries en route to the hospital. The injured, including the driver, were taken to nearby medical facilities, with the most critical patients referred to higher-level hospitals for specialized treatment.
Eyewitnesses and survivors said the bus may have been speeding along the narrow road. Lack of safety measures such as guardrails or parapet walls on the bend likely worsened the impact. Authorities have opened an inquiry to determine whether the crash resulted from driver error, vehicle malfunction, or road conditions.
The victims were identified as residents from nearby communities, ranging from elderly to middle-aged passengers. State officials assured full support, including compensation and medical care for those affected. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, urging prompt aid for survivors and their families.
This accident has highlighted ongoing road safety concerns in Uttarakhand’s hilly regions. Narrow, winding roads combined with insufficient safety infrastructure continue to pose significant risks to travelers, particularly during adverse weather or low visibility conditions.
The administration has called for stricter safety measures, better road maintenance, and increased public awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Authorities continue monitoring the situation and providing assistance to the affected families while urging caution for travelers on these routes.
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