Tragic Accident on Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway
In a devastating incident on the Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, a tempo traveller carrying 26 passengers veered off the road and plunged into the Alaknanda river, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals and injuring 12 others. The accident, occurring around 11 am, shocked the local community and authorities.
Response and Casualty Report
Uttarakhand’s State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) commandant Manikant Mishra reported that 10 people died at the scene, with two more fatalities occurring at AIIMS Rishikesh and Rudraprayag district hospital during treatment. Mishra expressed concerns that the death toll might rise further, as several injured passengers remain in critical condition.
Tourists’ Journey Ends in Tragedy
The tourists , from Delhi heading to Chopta, were enjoying the scenic journey when tragedy struck. Garhwal Inspector General of Police KS Nagnyal confirmed that the tempo traveller, originating from Noida, skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge approximately 150-200 meters below.
Swift Rescue Operations
Immediate response efforts by local authorities and SDRF teams included swift rescue operations. District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar highlighted the quick deployment despite the challenging terrain along the Alaknanda river banks.
National Condolences and Support
Condolences poured in from national leaders, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing deep sorrow and extending sympathies to the affected families. President Droupadi Murmu also mourned the loss of lives and prayed for the injured’s speedy recovery. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured support, with Dhami ordering an investigation and ensuring medical assistance for the injured