Uttarakhand: 4 dead after bus falls into 1,500 ft gorge in Bhimtal, 23 injured; state announces ₹10 lakh ex-gratia

Uttarakhand bus accident: The Uttarakhand government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹3 lakh for the families of those seriously injured in the bus accident that occurred on Wednesday. It has also promised ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 for the families of those with minor injuries.

At least 4 died, and 23 others were injured after a bus fell into a 1,500 feet deep gorge in Uttarakhand's Bhimtal. Uttarakhand CM PS Dhami condoled the death of 4 people.

"The news of the death of 4 people in the unfortunate bus accident near Bhimtal is extremely heart-rending...The seriously injured people are being treated at Sushila Tiwari Government Hospital, Haldwani, and a team of doctors from AIIMS Rishikesh has also been sent to Haldwani. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of all the injured," PS Dhami wrote on X.

The Uttarakhand roadways bus, carrying 27 passengers, was travelling from Almora to Haldwani when the driver lost control. As a result, the vehicle to plunge into a 1,500-foot deep gorge, injuring 24 passengers, officials said.

Uttarakhand bus accident: Rescue operations underway

The accident occurred on the Bhimtal-Ranibagh road, after which the police quickly arrived at the scene and began rescue operations, as per multiple reports. The injured passengers were assisted by the police and locals, who used ropes to help them.

Bhowali Circle Officer Sumit Pandey reported that the injured are being taken to the Community Health Centre in Bhimtal, with some in critical condition. The injured are being pulled out of the gorge with the help of ropes, he added, reported PTI.

Relief and rescue operations have been launched with the help of locals, and 15 ambulances have arrived from Haldwani to assist, reported PTI.

Uttarakhand news: School bus accident

In another incident in Uttarakhand, a school bus carrying 45 students met with an accident on December 24. The bus was travelling from Bageshwar to Dehradun, and reportedly lost control on the road.

The students were on their way to Dehradun for a sports event. Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the accident.