Tragedy in Uttarakhand: Bus Plunges into Gorge, Claiming 36 Lives

A tragic accident in Uttarakhand has resulted in 36 fatalities and numerous injuries, prompting an inquiry into the incident.

At least 36 individuals lost their lives, and many more were left injured when a bus plunged into a gorge in Uttarakhand, a northern state in India. The accident occurred when the driver reportedly lost control, sending the vehicle tumbling into a ditch approximately 50 meters deep in Marchula, located in Almora district, where there were 44 passengers on board. In response to the accident, the government of Uttarakhand has launched an investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding this disaster.

The bus, which was en route to Ramnagar district, fell into the gorge early on Monday morning. Images and videos from the scene depicted the bus severely damaged and overturned at the base of the hill. Emergency services responded swiftly, with multiple casualties reported at the site, while survivors were quickly transported to local hospitals for urgent medical assistance. Rescue operations remain ongoing as teams search for any remaining passengers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his condolences to the families affected by this tragedy, offering a compensation of 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,378) for the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to those injured. Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also committed to providing support for the victims and their families.

Buses are the predominant means of transport across India, particularly in rural areas. However, overcrowding and disregard for safety regulations are prevalent issues leading to frequent accidents. The nation experiences around 160,000 road accident fatalities annually, the highest in the world, driven primarily by factors such as speeding and reckless driving. This recent incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect passengers on the roads.