Almora, Uttarakhand – A tragic accident took place on November 4, 2024, near the village of Marchula in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, when a bus carrying 63 passengers veered off a mountainous road and fell approximately 150 feet into a gorge. The incident resulted in the death of 36 people and left several others injured. The bus, operated by Garhwal Motors Union Limited, was traveling from Almora and was reportedly overcrowded, far exceeding its 42-seat capacity.
The accident is believed to have occurred due to the breaking of the bus’s spring mechanism, leading to a loss of control. Moments before the incident, the driver reportedly cautioned the passengers about the upcoming rough road, suggesting anyone could disembark if they wished. However, none heeded the warning, and the bus proceeded, eventually meeting with the tragic accident.
In the aftermath, local authorities and rescue teams rushed to the site to provide aid. The wounded were transported to Ramnagar Hospital, where 34 injured individuals were admitted. Unfortunately, eight succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Additionally, six critically injured passengers were airlifted to Rishikesh for specialized care, while eleven others were referred to nearby hospitals for further treatment. Currently, nine individuals remain under medical care at Ramnagar Hospital.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene, with personal belongings, phones, and food items scattered around. Passengers described a chaotic experience as the bus plunged, causing them to fall over each other and lose consciousness. Family members of the victims, including those living in various cities across India, scrambled to connect and check on their loved ones through social media platforms, anxious for news amid the tragedy.
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In response to the accident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the hospital in Ramnagar to personally inquire about the well-being of the injured and to meet with the families of the deceased. He expressed condolences and announced a compensation package, providing ₹4 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh to those injured. The Chief Minister also instructed hospital officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured and assured families that air ambulances would be made available for transferring patients to higher medical centers if required.
Almora District Magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey confirmed that an investigation into the accident has been ordered to determine any negligence or regulatory violations, particularly with regard to the overloading of passengers. The state government has pledged a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Details of the Deceased and Injured
A list of victims has been provided by the authorities, detailing the names, addresses, ages, and contact numbers of those deceased and injured. The deceased included individuals from various areas in Uttarakhand, and the incident has sent waves of sorrow through the communities affected.
