At least 14 people lost their lives and several more were injured when a tempo traveller, filled with 26 passengers, tumbled into a deep gorge in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district on Saturday. The accident has prompted immediate action from the Uttarakhand government, which has called for a thorough investigation.
The horrific incident occurred on the Badrinath Highway, a route known for its challenging terrain and picturesque views, yet perilous driving conditions. The tempo traveller, carrying passengers on a Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila trip, veered out of control and plummeted into the gorge, tragically ending the lives of 12 passengers instantly. Two more succumbed to their injuries later, bringing the death toll to 14.
Union Minister Ajay Tamta confirmed that the victims were promptly transported to AIIMS Rishikesh under the directives of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. “Some people have lost their lives and many are injured. Our state government, under the Chief Minister’s guidance, has ensured their admission to Rishikesh AIIMS. The government is taking full care of the injured, with doctors and the entire administration engaged in their well-being,” Tamta stated.
In a swift response, Chief Minister Dhami announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the dependents of the deceased. Moreover, severely injured passengers will receive Rs 40,000 each, while those who sustained less critical injuries will be given Rs 10,000. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also extended financial aid, announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the accident.
The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement expressing grief over the incident. “An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the statement read. It underscored the nation’s collective sorrow and the government’s commitment to supporting the affected families.
Chief Minister Dhami visited the injured victims at AIIMS Rishikesh and stressed the importance of ensuring they receive appropriate medical treatment. “Their families are being informed one by one. We have made all necessary arrangements to guarantee their further required treatments. An investigation has been ordered into the accident,” Dhami asserted.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his condolences and affirmed that the local administration, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are deeply involved in rescue and relief efforts. “Received the sad news of the road accident in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. My condolences are with the families of those who lost their lives in this accident,” Shah posted on social media site X. He added, “The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue work, and all possible help is being provided to the injured.
. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Union Health Minister JP Nadda echoed these sentiments, expressing his sorrow and wishing a quick recovery for the injured. “The news of many people losing their lives in a road accident in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand is extremely sad. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray to Baba Kedarnath Ji to grant speedy recovery to the injured,” Nadda wrote on X.
The disaster has drawn attention across the political spectrum. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also took to X to express his grief. “The news of the death of many people due to a Tempo Traveller full of devotees falling into the Alaknanda river in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand is extremely sad. In this grief, I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. I also hope for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Gandhi remarked. He further appealed to his Congress colleagues to assist the administration in the ongoing rescue operations.
In the wake of the accident, Chief Minister Dhami has directed the airlifting of seriously injured passengers to AIIMS Rishikesh to ensure they receive advanced medical care. “Instructions have been given to the concerned officials for better treatment of the injured,” Dhami emphasized.
The bus was en route from Noida to Rudraprayag when it plunged approximately 150 meters into the gorge. Prompt action by the SDRF, under the leadership of Commander Manikant Mishra, initiated an immediate rescue mission. Two rescue teams, comprising 14 members from Post Ratuda and Agastyamuni, arrived at the scene equipped with essential gear.
Intense efforts by the SDRF teams, led by SI Bhagat Singh Kandari and SI Dharmendra Panwar, were crucial under the extreme conditions they faced. They conducted a joint rescue operation alongside local police and residents, successfully rescuing 14 injured individuals who were then transported to the District Hospital in Rudraprayag. Seven critically injured victims were later airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh for further treatment. Tragically, 12 bodies were recovered from the scene and handed over to district authorities.
The rescue operation was further bolstered by an SDRF team stationed at AIIMS Rishikesh. Under Inspector Kavindra Sajwan’s leadership, this team facilitated the airlifting of the critically injured to the hospital via helicopter.
This incident has cast a pall of gloom over Rudraprayag, drawing national attention and highlighting the state’s commitment to rapid response and comprehensive aid for the victims and their families. As investigations unfold, authorities hope to uncover the causes of this tragic accident and prevent future occurrences.
