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Key Points

A tragic accident unfolded in Uttarakhand as a bus carrying 18 passengers veered off the road and plunged into the swollen Alaknanda River near Gholtir. The incident resulted in one confirmed death, with 10 individuals still missing as rescue operations intensify. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and local administration are rigorously searching for the missing passengers amidst challenging conditions due to heavy rainfall. Authorities are urging the public to avoid spreading rumors and rely solely on official information as the situation develops.

Key Points: Uttarakhand Bus Tragedy Claims Life in Alaknanda River Plunge

  • Bus crashes into Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand
  • 18 passengers, 10 missing, one confirmed dead
  • Rescue teams from NDRF, SDRF, and locals join efforts
  • Heavy rainfall complicates rescue operations
2 min read

One dead, 10 missing as bus plunges into river in Uttarakhand

A bus crash in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand leaves one dead, 10 missing, sparking urgent rescue efforts.

"The administration urges the public to rely only on official updates. - Rudraprayag Administration"

Rudrprayag, June 26

At least one person died, and 10 remain missing as the bus, carrying 18 people from Rishikesh to Badrinath in Uttarakhand, veered off the road in Rudraprayag district while going uphill and fell into the swollen Alaknanda River near Gholtir.

So far, seven passengers have been rescued, and six of them have been shifted to nearby hospitals, according to the rescue officials.

According to preliminary information in an official press note, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing the bus to crash into the river below.

As soon as the incident was reported, rescue teams from the police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration rushed to the spot.

The teams began search and rescue operations, and locals also joined in to aid in the effort.

Visuals from the site captured the chaos that unfolded. Videos showed people in a state of panic, some forming human chains to help pull injured passengers up the steep hillside.

The administration has not yet confirmed the exact number of occupants as the bus remains submerged. Initial estimates suggest there were between 15 to 18 people onboard.

Senior officials from the police, district administration, and disaster response agencies are closely monitoring the situation.

The Rudraprayag administration has issued an appeal urging the public not to spread rumours and to rely only on official updates.

The tragic incident occurred as Uttarakhand continued to receive heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas across the state, raising concerns about more such mishaps in the hilly terrain.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the focus remains on locating the missing passengers and providing medical aid to the injured.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Heartbreaking news 😢 Our hills have become so dangerous during monsoons. Why aren't there better safety barriers along these roads? Prayers for the missing passengers and their families. Uttarakhand government needs to take immediate action!
R
Rahul S.
This is why I always think twice before traveling to hilly areas during rainy season. The roads are narrow, drivers take risks, and rivers swell dangerously. Kudos to the rescue teams and locals helping out - real heroes!
A
Anjali M.
My uncle took this same route last month. These buses often overload and drivers speed to make extra trips. Authorities must enforce stricter rules for hill transport. So many lives lost every year in similar accidents 😔
V
Vikram J.
The human chain effort by locals shows the true spirit of Uttarakhand people! But question - why does it take tragedies like this for authorities to pay attention? We need better road infrastructure before more lives are lost.
S
Sunita P.
Heavy rainfall warnings were there since yesterday. Maybe pilgrim buses should have been halted temporarily? Safety should come before tourism revenue. Hoping the missing are found safe 🙏
K
Karan D.
This is the 3rd such incident this month in Uttarakhand. When will we learn? Need proper crash barriers, driver training, and vehicle fitness checks. Enough of these 'after-the-fact' rescue operations. Prevention is better than cure!

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