Dehradun, June 15, 2024 — In a heart-wrenching incident, fourteen people lost their lives and twelve others sustained critical injuries when a tempo traveller plunged into a deep gorge in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district on Saturday. The accident occurred near the Alaknanda river in the Raitoli area, approximately 5 kilometers ahead of Rudraprayag on the Badrinath route.
Accident Details and Immediate Response
The vehicle, carrying 26 passengers from the National Capital Region, was on a journey to Chopta and Ukhimath when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the van to fall into the gorge. The victims were travelling in a tempo traveller with a Haryana registration number, which had departed from Delhi at around 11 PM on Friday.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) commandant, Manikant Mishra, stated, “The cause behind the tragedy is yet to be ascertained. As per our information, there were 26 people inside the vehicle.” Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams working tirelessly to retrieve the injured and the deceased from the accident site.
Rescue and Medical Efforts
Four critically injured passengers were airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh in a chopper for immediate medical attention, while the remaining ten injured individuals are receiving treatment at a district hospital. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited AIIMS Rishikesh to meet the injured, offering support and ensuring they receive the best possible care.
Government Response and Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office has announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured in the accident. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and CM Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed their grief over the incident. Dhami instructed district officials to provide the best medical care for the injured, and assured that all necessary assistance would be given.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his sorrow and commitment to support the victims. “The seriously injured passengers in the Rudraprayag road accident are being airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh. Instructions have been given to the concerned officials for better treatment of the injured,” Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami posted on X.
Community and National Reactions
The tragic accident has cast a shadow over the region, with community members and officials rallying to provide aid and support. The incident has also raised concerns about road safety in the hilly terrains of Uttarakhand, a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the injured receive prompt and effective medical treatment, and that the families of the victims are supported during this difficult time. The state government, along with the central authorities, is working closely to manage the aftermath of the tragedy and prevent such incidents in the future.
Stay tuned to Sarhind Times for the latest updates on this developing story and other news.
For more news, visit Sarhind Times.
+ There are no comments
Add yours