**Tragic Bus Accident in Uttarakhand Claims Lives and Injures Passengers**
At least two individuals have lost their lives, and seven others sustained injuries after an 18-seater bus plunged into the Alaknanda River in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. The incident occurred while the bus was reportedly traveling from Rudraprayag to a higher region. According to Police Headquarters spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharane, the vehicle lost control and fell into the river.
Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that one person has died, and seven others were injured in the accident. Emergency response teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local administration are actively engaged in rescue operations at the site. Currently, seven people have been rescued, while efforts continue to locate the remaining ten missing passengers.
Rescue teams are facing challenges due to swift river currents and the rugged terrain of the area. Teams from the SDRF and police personnel from Agastyamuni, Ratuda, and Gochar police stations are on-site, working diligently to recover those still unaccounted for.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his sorrow over the tragic event. In a statement on social media, he remarked, “The news of a tempo traveler falling into a river in Rudraprayag district is deeply tragic. Relief and rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing by SDRF and other rescue teams. I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter. I pray to God for everyone’s safety.”
Rescue operations commenced swiftly, with several injured passengers being pulled from the wreckage and transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention. The search for the remaining missing individuals continues as authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of all involved.
**FAQ**
**What caused the bus to fall into the Alaknanda River?**
The bus reportedly lost control while traveling from Rudraprayag to a higher region, leading to the tragic accident.
