7 dead as bus plunges 200 meters into Uttarakhand gorge; 12 injured

Seven people died and a dozen injured when a private bus carrying 19 passengers plunged 200 meters into a deep gorge near Almora, Uttarakhand, on December 30 morning. The ill-fated vehicle was en route from Dwarahat in Almora district to Ramnagar in Nainital when it careened off a sharp bend at approximately 9 am.

Senior Superintendent of Police Devender Pincha confirmed six victims died instantly at the scene, while one more succumbed later. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) swiftly responded, airlifting three critically injured passengers to AIIMS Rishikesh and transferring three others to Ramnagar hospitals. Additional injured victims are receiving treatment at Bhikiyasain government hospital.

Preliminary investigations suggest a possible technical fault hampered the driver’s control at the bend, ruling out overloading as a factor. “The bus failed to navigate the curve, causing it to fall into the gorge below,” said an SDRF official. The bus, registered in 2019, has pending challans for traffic violations in Uttar Pradesh, further intensifying the probe.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and ordered the district administration to ensure urgent, comprehensive medical care for all injured.

The victims — four men and three women aged between 25 and 80 — hailed from various parts of Almora district, including Jamoli and Dwarahat. Their names have been identified as Govind Ballabh (80), Parvati Devi (75), Nandan Singh (65), Tara Devi (50), Ganesh (25), Umesh (25), and Govindi Devi (58).

The investigation into the exact cause of the crash continues, as authorities vow to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.