A bus carrying about 40 people fell into a deep gorge in Uttarakhand, India, killing at least 36 people and injuring 10. The search for five more people is still ongoing.
The Times of India reports that the accident happened Monday in the Almora district, close to Marchula. Official reports indicate at least 20 deaths, while numerous others have sustained injuries and are receiving care at local hospitals. Vineet Pal, Almora’s disaster management officer, told TOI that local villagers are helping rescuers find remaining passengers in the wreckage.
Officials worry that more people may die.
To get to Ramnagar in the Nainital district, the bus left Naini Danda in the Pauri Garhwal district. Around seven in the morning, it reportedly lost control close to the Sarad Bend and fell into a ravine along the Geet Jagir riverbank, according to an official.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and medical teams were among the emergency personnel who hurried to the scene. Officials from disaster management and Almora SSP are in charge of the rescue operations.
The impact of the 42-seater bus’s collapse ejected some passengers, while others managed to flee. People who ascended to safety informed the authorities.
Authorities are investigating whether a mechanical issue or other factors contributed to the accident. Ownership of the bus was Garhwal Motor Owners Union Ltd. (GMOU).
