A tragic accident marred a holiday trip for a group of tourists from Lucknow, who were enjoying the serene beauty of Uttarakhand. Last night, approximately 15 kilometers from Nainital, on Bhimtal Road, their vehicle veered off the road at a sharp bend and plunged into a deep ravine. One person died at the scene, while several others sustained injuries.
Joy Turned to Sorrow
The tourist group had come from Lucknow to visit Nainital. Around 11 pm, while returning, the driver lost control of the vehicle on a bend. The road was slippery due to rain, and darkness compounded the situation. The vehicle fell into a ravine approximately 200 feet deep. Locals, alerted by the sound of the crash, rushed to the scene and informed the police. The local police and rescue team, after strenuous efforts, extracted the injured from the ravine.
Identification of the Deceased and Condition of the Injured
The deceased has been identified as Rajesh Verma (age 38), a resident of the Aliganj area of Lucknow.
Four other individuals sustained injuries, two of whom are reported to be in serious condition. All the injured have been admitted to Nainital District Hospital. Doctors report that their condition is stable due to timely treatment.
Full Force Mobilized for Rescue
The rescue operation was extremely challenging due to the darkness and rain. The SDRF and fire department teams, using ropes and torches, rappelled down to rescue the injured. After nearly two hours of effort, everyone was brought to safety. A rescue worker stated, "Reaching the spot where the vehicle fell was extremely difficult. The steep incline and slippery conditions posed a significant risk, but the injured were rescued in time."
The police arrived at the scene, took possession of the vehicle, and launched an investigation. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver was speeding, and the rain made the road slippery. Police are also investigating whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
