Tragic Twist: Bus Plunges into Uttarakhand Gorge, Claims Four Lives While Dodging Wrong-Way Car

A bus carrying 28 passengers en route from Pithoragarh to Haldwani lost control and veered off the road near Aamdali in Bhimtal on Wednesday. The incident raised concerns about road safety in the region.

Tragedy struck in Uttarakhand's Nainital district when a roadways bus, carrying 28 individuals, plunged into a gorge measuring 500 feet deep. The incident, which occurred while the bus was en route from Pithoragarh to Haldwani, resulted in the deaths of four people, including an 8-year-old boy, and left 24 others injured. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the driver swerved to avoid a potential collision with a car that was reportedly traveling on the wrong side of the road.

According to the bus driver’s statement to the authorities, the decision to maneuver sharply to avoid the incoming vehicle was made in an instant. This was corroborated by a passenger who was also present during the unfortunate event. While three individuals, comprising two men and a woman, lost their lives immediately at the accident site, the young boy succumbed to his injuries later at a medical facility. The remaining passengers, along with the bus driver, are currently receiving medical care at the Community Health Centre in Bhimtal.

In response to this devastating incident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a compensation package aimed at supporting the bereaved families. A relief amount of Rs 10 lakh will be allocated to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. Furthermore, those who sustained serious injuries will receive Rs 3 lakh, while individuals with minor injuries will be compensated between Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. The Chief Minister’s Office relayed this information through an official communication, emphasizing the government's commitment to providing assistance during this trying time.

Expressing his deep sorrow over the accident, Chief Minister Dhami has ordered the local authorities to initiate immediate rescue and relief operations. He stated, “The news of the bus accident near Bhimtal is very saddening. The local administration has been directed to carry out immediate relief and rescue operations. I pray to Baba Kedar for the safety of all the travelers.” This statement was shared on the social media platform X, further highlighting the promptness of the government’s response.

Rescue operations were conducted by an array of teams, including personnel from the local administration, the state disaster response force, fire department, and law enforcement agencies. Utilising ropes and with the assistance of local residents, these teams worked diligently to retrieve survivors from the deep gorge. Eyewitness accounts from senior police officials indicated that the bus had plummeted approximately 100 meters (around 320 feet) into the abyss, underscoring the severity of the crash.

While investigations are underway to gather more information about the precise circumstances leading to this tragic event, the community remains in mourning for those lost and affected. The local government's prompt action and the outpouring of support from nearby residents reflect a united response to this calamity, showcasing the resilience and compassion of the people in the face of such unfortunate incidents.

As the days unfold, the focus will be on ensuring the injured receive the necessary medical attention and that the families of the deceased are supported both emotionally and financially. The community's recovery will require collective strength as they navigate the aftermath of this heart-wrenching incident.