June 15, 2024 4:24 PM.
At least fourteen people lost their lives and 12 others were critically injured after a tempo traveller fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district on Saturday, on the Badrinath National Highway. Seven critically injured pilgrims were airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh, while the other injured are undergoing treatment at the district hospital.
According to reports, the vehicle carried 26 people when the incident occurred. Upon receiving the information, a rescue operation was immediately conducted by the district magistrate and police superintendent, supported by SDRF, fire services, district disaster management teams, and water police. All dead bodies have been recovered. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Commandant Manikant Mishra told The Hindu that the accident took place near a turn ahead of Rudraprayag city. The vehicle had a Haryana registration number.
State Governor Gurmeet Singh, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed deep condolences. The Chief Minister has instructed the district magistrate to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased, and ₹50,000 for the injured, said the PMO in a communique.
Home Minister Amit Shaha took to X (formerly Twitter) and said, “Received the sad news of the road accident in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. My condolences are with the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. All possible help is being provided to the injured. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
President Droupadi Murmu also condoled the deaths in the accident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.