Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami issues strong statement as bus plunges into gorge

Several people are feared dead as a 42-seater bus lost control and fell into a gorge near Marchula in Uttarakhand on Monday morning. Upon receiving the information, five ambulances, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police arrived at the location.

The rescue operation has already started. Officials said a bus carrying 42 passengers for Ramnagar from Kirath of Nainidanda fell into a ditch near Marchula Band after losing control. Several people apparently got tossed out of the bus and fell on the other side.

Instructions have been issued to airlift critically injured passengers if necessary. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of those killed and Rs 1 lakh to assist those injured.

Uttarakhand bus accident: Rescue efforts continue

CM Dhami has also directed the suspension of RTO officials in the area. In a video, he can be seen describing the rescue operation for the severe accident, adding that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

If there is any negligence, strict action is going to be taken, the Chief Minister noted, stressing: “Our priority is medical attention to the injured, so all hospitals have been directed for the same. Chief Secretary is monitoring this.”

The district administration has been instructed to conduct relief and rescue operations as quickly as possible. The local administration and SDRF teams are at the site to evacuate the injured. There are reports that an NDRF team has also reached the spot.

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