Rudraprayag accident: 14 die as tempo traveller falls into Alaknanda river, PM Modi announces ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh

14 people lost their lives after a tempo traveller carrying passengers fell into Alaknanda river on Badrinath national highway in Uttarakhand on Saturday, said police.

The incident took place when a vehicle carrying 26 tourists was on the way to Chopta near Raitoli village.

Some injured were airlifted and sent to AIIMS Rishikesh for further treatment. 

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited AIIMS and enquired about the condition of those injured, and also ordered the District Magistrate Rudraprayag to investigate the incident.

“It is very important for the injured to get proper treatment. Their families are being informed one by one. We have made all the arrangements to make sure that they get all the further required treatments,” said Dhami.

AIIMS Rishikesh Director Dr Meenu Singh said that of the seven patients brought to the hospital, two were dead on arrival.

"Seven patients were brought to AIIMS, two of them were brought dead, while the condition of two patients is very serious. Three patients are stable," said Dr Meenu Singh.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased. Whereas, the injured would be given Rs. 50,000.

Here's all you need to know

–  What Happened

A tempo traveller, with about 26 passengers on board, most of them from Delhi, fell into Alaknanda River near Badrinath Highway. The Rescue work is being carried out by SDRF and Police team.

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– Seriously injured airlifted: CM Dhami

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that those seriously injured in the Rudraprayag road were airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh.

"Instructions have been given to the concerned officials for better treatment of the injured. We are fully committed to provide all possible assistance to the injured," Dhami said in a post on X.

Rahul Gandhi expresses deepest condolences

"The news of the death of many people due to a Tempo Traveller full of devotees falling into the Alaknanda river in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand is extremely sad. In this grief, I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. I also hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. There is an appeal to Congress colleagues to help the administration in every possible way in the rescue work," said Rahul Gandhi in a post on X.

– All possible help being provided: Amit Shah

"Received the sad news of the road accident in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. My condolences are with the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue work and all possible help is being provided to the injured," said Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a post on X.

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– IG Garhwal on accident

The tempo traveller was coming from Noida (UP) towards Rudraprayag. It fell into a 150-200 metre deep gorge. The driver is very critically injured. Police, SDRF and local people are engaged in rescue operations...Rescue operation is underway," said Karan Singh Nagnyal, IG Garhwal.

– Pilgrim activities remain robust

Ppilgrim activities remained robust even as Badrinath and Kedarnath dhams received rainfall on Friday. So far, over 22 lakh pilgrims have visited the four Dhams this season.