A tragic bus accident in Uttarakhand's Almora district on Tuesday has sent shockwaves across the state, with authorities fearing multiple fatalities. The passenger vehicle, travelling from Bhikiyasen to Ramnagar, plunged into a deep gorge near Bhikiyasain, leading to a frantic rescue operation.
Chief Minister's Response and Rescue Efforts
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed profound sorrow over the incident. In a post on social media platform X, he described the event as "profoundly painful and heart-wrenching." He confirmed that the district administration was on the ground, providing immediate medical aid.
Dhami has directed the local administration to ensure prompt and adequate medical treatment for all injured. The injured passengers were initially admitted to the Government Hospital in Bhikiyasain. Those with critical injuries have been referred to advanced medical centers for better care. The CM stated he is in constant contact with officials and the situation is under continuous monitoring.
On-Ground Situation and Casualty Fears
According to Almora SSP Devendra Pincha, rescue teams were rushed to the accident spot immediately after the alert. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) also dispatched a team to the location to assist in the operations.
Preliminary reports, as cited by news agency ANI, indicate a grim outlook. It is feared that 6 to 7 people may have lost their lives in the devastating crash. The exact number of casualties and the total count of passengers on board are yet to be officially confirmed as rescue work continues.
Ongoing Operations and Medical Response
The focus of the authorities remains on two parallel fronts:
- Rescue: SDRF and local teams are working at the gorge site to manage the situation.
- Medical Aid: The district administration is coordinating hospital admissions and referrals to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment without delay.
The accident occurred on the Bhikiyasen–Vinayak motor road, a route in the hilly terrain of Almora. Such incidents highlight the perennial challenges of road safety in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand. This remains a developing story, and further updates on the condition of the injured and the final casualty toll are awaited.
