At least 14 people were killed and 18 people were injured after a bus fell into a gorge near Chamba town in Tehri district on Thursday morning. The bus was of Uttarakhand Transport Corporation.
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Six of the people who were critically injured were airlifted to AIIMS, Rishikesh. Sources in the State Disaster Response Force stated that the bus, coming from Uttarkashi’s Badkot with over 30 passengers, tumbled into a 250-meter gorge in Suryadhar area around 7:54 AM. Rescue operations were launched soon afterwards, with the government deploying a helicopter to airlift the critically injured to Rishikesh.
An ANI report stated that the victims’ next of kin would be provided monetary compensation of Rs 2 lakh each, besides Rs 50,000 for those injured in the accident. A magisterial probe has also been ordered into the matter.
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“Rescue machinery was immediately put into action at the district as well as the state levels. The helicopter is in the process of airlifting victims. District magistrate Sonika is at the accident site, monitoring the rescue and relief work,” said secretary (disaster) Amit Singh Negi.
A probe will be conducted into the matter by the transport secretary.