On Monday, a tragic incident unfolded in Almora district, Uttarakhand, as a bus carrying around 60 passengers veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge. The overcrowded bus, which was only supposed to accommodate 42 passengers, resulted in at least 36 fatalities and left more than 20 individuals injured.
Rescue and relief teams swiftly responded to the scene, where the mangled bus lay overturned on a rocky slope near a stream. The harrowing sight of rescuers pulling out passengers and carrying bodies on stretchers underscored the severity of the situation.
Authorities are concerned that the death toll may rise further, particularly as seven passengers remain in critical condition at local hospitals. The state government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has mobilized efforts to airlift the seriously injured for prompt medical attention.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident was caused by the dilapidated bus skidding before tumbling down a 60-meter-deep gorge. Shockingly, it was revealed that two transport officials had been suspended for approving the operation of a bus in such poor condition.
This tragic event sheds light on the concerning road safety situation in India, where reckless driving, poorly maintained roads, and aging vehicles contribute to a high rate of road accidents. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident, as the country has witnessed numerous fatal crashes in recent months, claiming the lives of many innocent individuals.
As the state government initiates a thorough investigation into this devastating accident, our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
