In a tragic incident in Uttarakhand's Tehri district, eight people lost their lives and two others sustained injuries after a vehicle they were traveling in veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge. The accident occurred near the village of Ghansali on Saturday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the region.
Details of the Accident
The vehicle, a Mahindra Bolero, was carrying a total of 10 passengers when the driver lost control on a sharp curve. The SUV fell approximately 200 meters into the gorge, resulting in severe damage. Local residents rushed to the scene and alerted the police and emergency services.
Rescue and Relief Operations
Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and local police reached the spot promptly. They worked for hours to retrieve the bodies and evacuate the injured. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable. The deceased include four men, three women, and a child.
Official Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. The district administration has initiated a probe into the cause of the accident.
Rising Road Accidents in Hill Regions
This accident highlights the vulnerability of road travel in hilly terrains, where narrow roads and sharp curves often lead to fatal mishaps. Local authorities have been urged to improve road safety measures, including better signage and barriers. The driver of the vehicle is among the survivors and is being questioned to ascertain the exact sequence of events.
As the community mourns this tragedy, questions are being raised about the frequency of such accidents in Uttarakhand. In the past year alone, over 500 road accidents have been reported in the state, claiming hundreds of lives. Efforts to enhance road infrastructure and enforce traffic regulations remain a priority for the state government.
