Dehradun: A serious accident took place in the tehsil area of Almora district on Tuesday morning. A bus full of passengers fell into a deep gorge near Sailapani near Vinayak, killing seven people and injuring several passengers. As soon as the news of the accident spread, there was panic in the entire area.
How did the accident happen?
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The incident took place around 8 in the morning. According to the information, the bus was going from Nobada of Dwarahat towards Ramnagar. At a turn of the road near Sailapani Band, the bus went out of control and fell straight into the ditch. The accident was so horrific that six passengers died on the spot. Rescue teams immediately retrieved five bodies, while one body was trapped inside a ditch which could be pulled out later. A seriously injured woman died during treatment at CHC Bhikiyasain hospital, taking the death toll to seven.
What is the condition of the injured?
The injured passengers have been sent to nearby health centres. Those whose injuries are minor are undergoing treatment in local hospitals. The seriously injured are being referred to high-level medical centers. The administration is engaged in the process of identifying the deceased and informing their families.
How far did the command, relief, and rescue reach?
As soon as information about the accident was received, police, administrative officials, SDRF/disaster management teams reached the spot. Local people are also helping in the rescue. There are difficulties in rescue due to the depth of the trench and the hilly terrain, but the relief work is going on a war footing. Preliminary investigation has revealed road conditions and the possibility of the vehicle losing control, although the final reason will be clear only after investigation.
What did Chief Minister Dhami say?
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed deep grief over this incident. He said that he is in constant touch with the administration and all possible assistance is being provided to the injured. CM wrote on X (Twitter):
"This incident is extremely painful. The injured are being treated rapidly and serious patients have been sent to advanced medical centers. I am constantly monitoring the situation."
Why has concern increased?
This accident is raising many questions regarding the safety arrangements on the hilly roads.
- Were the roads in a state of repair?
- Was the fitness check of the bus done on time?
- Did the driver get adequate rest?
The answers to these questions will emerge after the administration's report.
This accident in Almora once again reminds us that even a small mistake while traveling on hilly routes can become the difference between life and death. The administration says that if found guilty, strict action will be taken and assistance will be provided to the affected families.