Bus Accident in Uttarakhand Claims 5 Lives
In a devastating incident, a bus carrying pilgrims to Kedarnath fell into a 500-foot-deep gorge in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district on Tuesday. At least five people were killed, and several others were critically injured. The accident occurred when the driver lost control while reversing on a narrow, landslide-prone stretch of road.
Details of the Uttarakhand Bus Tragedy
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, en route to Kedarnath from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, veered off the road while reversing. The vehicle tumbled down the gorge, leaving it severely mangled. Rescue teams, including local police and disaster response units, faced challenges retrieving survivors due to the rugged terrain.
- Casualties: Five bodies recovered, with fears of a rising toll.
- Injured: Multiple passengers hospitalized, some in critical condition.
- Rescue Efforts: Ongoing operations to locate missing individuals.
Eyewitness Accounts and Victim Details
Most passengers were elderly or middle-aged pilgrims. A local shopkeeper, Ramesh Kumar, described the scene: “The bus tipped over suddenly while reversing. We rushed to help, but it was too late.”
Government Response and Compensation
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami announced:
– ₹2 lakh compensation for families of the deceased.
– ₹50,000 for the injured.
He also ordered a review of road safety measures in the region.
Road Safety Crisis in Uttarakhand
This accident underscores longstanding issues:
– Poor road conditions, especially during monsoons.
– Lack of guardrails on dangerous stretches.
– Overloaded vehicles and untrained drivers.
Social media erupted with demands for accountability, with users questioning lax enforcement of safety norms.
Urgent Calls for Infrastructure Reform
Experts reiterate the need for:
1. Strict speed limits and driver training.
2. Better road maintenance and signage.
3. Regular vehicle safety checks.
Conclusion
The tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved safety in Uttarakhand’s pilgrimage routes. Authorities must act to prevent future accidents.
— Reporting by Team NextMinuteNews
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