A privately operated bus plunged into a profound gorge in Uttarakhand’s Almora district on Monday, November 4, 2024, resulting in the tragic demise of at least 36 individuals among the approximately 60 passengers aboard, while 24 others sustained injuries.
In
response to this calamity, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared a
compensation package of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh in
financial assistance for the injured, as detailed in an official statement.
Sangbad Voice 9, New Delhi: The tragic toll from the bus calamity
in Uttarakhand's Almora district has surged to 36. As per district officials, a
45-seater passenger bus plunged into a 200-meter-deep ravine at Marchula this
morning while en route from Pauri in Garhwal to Ramnagar in Kumaon—a nocturnal
journey spanning approximately 250 kilometers. The ill-fated vehicle met its
demise roughly 35 kilometers from its intended destination, Rampur. In
response, police and the State Disaster Response Force have initiated a rescue
operation at the site of the disaster.
The
incident, as reported by officials, transpired around 8:25 AM. Inhabitants of
the adjacent villages were the initial responders, promptly commencing the
arduous task of rescuing the trapped passengers. While numerous individuals
perished at the scene, at least nine succumbed to their injuries after being
hastily transported to medical facilities. Three critically injured passengers
have been airlifted and are currently en route to AIIMS. The bus was operated
by the Garhwal Motor Owners' Union, and an investigation is underway to
ascertain the factors that precipitated this calamity. Officials from both
Almora and Ramnagar are present at the location.
Chief
Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has mandated that the district administration
expedite the rescue efforts. "I have received the profoundly distressing
news regarding the casualties of passengers in the unfortunate bus accident
that occurred in Marchula of Almora district. The district administration has
been directed to conduct relief and rescue operations with utmost
urgency," he conveyed on X.
"The
local administration and SDRF teams are diligently working to evacuate the
injured and transport them to the nearest healthcare facility for treatment.
Additionally, directives have been issued to airlift those passengers in
critical condition if necessary," the Chief Minister affirmed.
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