In a tragic accident, a passenger bus plunged into a gorge in Uttarakhand’s Almora district, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to many others. The accident occurred near Kupai as the bus, reportedly carrying 46 passengers, was en route from Pauri district to Ramnagar.
Local authorities, including police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, were dispatched to the scene to initiate emergency rescue operations. Officials reported that the bus belonged to the Garhwal Motor Users fleet and veered off course near a steep ravine, leading to the deadly fall. As of now, 15 bodies have been recovered, while efforts continue to rescue survivors and recover any remaining passengers.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “I have received extremely sad news regarding the casualties in the bus accident in Marchula, Almora district. I have directed the district administration to expedite the relief and rescue operations.” Dhami further instructed the district administration to ensure swift treatment for the injured and offered additional support through airlifting critically injured individuals to nearby hospitals if required.
In response to the incident, CM Dhami has also ordered the suspension of Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) enforcement officers from Pauri and Almora. A compensation of ₹4 lakh has been announced for the families of those deceased, while each injured victim will receive ₹1 lakh. He has also mandated a high-level inquiry into the cause of the accident, with the Kumaon Division Commissioner leading the investigation.
High-ranking officials, including Chief Secretary Deepak Rawat and Kumaon Commissioner, have traveled to the accident site to oversee rescue operations, while additional support from Nainital district authorities is being coordinated. The Sub-District Magistrate of Haldwani, Paritosh Verma, is also en route to aid in managing the situation on the ground.
Rescue operations remain ongoing, with authorities prioritizing rapid medical attention for the injured.