Uttarakhand: 25 dead after bus falls into gorge in Pauri
At least 25 people lost their lives in a tragic bus accident in the Pauri Garwhal district of Uttarakhand on Tuesday. A bus carrying about 40 was returning from a wedding when it plunged into a gorge near Simdi village, reports said. Officials conducted midnight rescue operations and managed to pull out at least 21 people safely. Condolences are pouring in for the deceased.
21 rescued by state officials
According to The Hindu, at least 40-42 people were on the bus when it overturned into a gorge in the Birokhal area of Dhumakot. "Twenty-five people were found dead in the Pauri Garwhal bus accident that took place last night...Police and SDRF rescued 21 people overnight; the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals," Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Kumar told ANI.
Watch: Uttarakhand police conduct midnight rescue operations
CM takes stock of rescue operations
Per the disaster control room, the bus was going to Bironkhal from Laldhang. At around 8 pm, it fell into a 500m gorge. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took stock of the rescue operations and said, "We are trying to provide all possible help. The teams have been deployed and the locals are also helping in the rescue."
Bus left wedding on Tuesday evening
President, CM Dhami express grief
Taking to Twitter, President Droupadi Murmu said, "My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this accident. I wish the injured a speedy recovery." CM Dhami added, "In this hour of grief, our government stands with the bereaved family members."
