Rudraprayag-Badrinath Highway Bus Accident: A passenger bus carrying a large number of people plunged into the Alaknanda River on the Rudraprayag-Badrinath highway in Uttarakhand on Monday. The incident, which occurred near the Gholteri area, triggered widespread panic and a rescue operation is currently underway.
Initial Reports Indicate Over 20 Passengers Aboard
Initial reports suggest that the bus was carrying approximately 20-25 passengers. While some media outlets have cited a figure of 18, local authorities have yet to confirm this number. Following the accident, several passengers were able to escape the bus and scatter, while there are fears that others may have been swept away by the river.
Bus Submerged in Strong Current
The accident occurred during heavy rainfall, which had significantly increased the water level of the Alaknanda River. Due to the river’s b current, the bus was completely submerged. Witnesses reported that the bus disappeared into the river current almost immediately. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Rescue Operation Continues
Following the incident, teams from the administration and disaster management arrived at the scene. Police, SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), and local authorities are jointly engaged in a rescue operation. However, the b river current and challenging weather conditions are hindering the rescue efforts, and teams are continuing their work tirelessly.
IG Level Monitoring
Police Headquarters spokesperson, Inspector General (IG) Nilesh Anand Bharane, confirmed the incident and stated that it is extremely serious, with a significant possibility of casualties. He indicated that, according to current information, the bus carried 18 passengers, but a definitive figure will only be available after the rescue operation is completed.
Local Assistance Supports Rescue Efforts
Local villagers are also assisting in the rescue efforts alongside the rescue teams. Witnesses reported that immediately after the accident, some villagers jumped into the river attempting to rescue passengers. This local support is proving to be beneficial in accelerating the rescue operation.
Investigation Underway
An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with authorities examining factors such as road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and weather conditions. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
