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At least 12 people were killed and 14 others injured after a tempo traveller, with more than 26 people onboard, fell into a deep gorge on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag on Saturday, said State Disaster Response Force commandant Manikant Mishra. The SDRF officer added that the death toll is likely to go up as some of those injured are in serious condition.
Manikant Mishra said the tempo traveller departed from Delhi around 11pm on Friday and was on its way to Chopta.
News agency ANI reported that the SDRF and police teams were carrying out rescue work. So far, two injured people have been sent to a hospital by the teams in an ambulance.
Reacting to the incident, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “People seriously injured in the Rudraprayag road accident are being airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh. Instructions have been given to the officials for better treatment of the injured. Our government is committed to provide all possible help to the injured.”
In an earlier post on X (formally Twitter), Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Very sad news was received about a tempo traveller accident in Rudraprayag district. The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. The injured have been sent to the nearest medical centre for treatment. The district magistrate has been ordered to investigate the incident.”
“I pray to God to grant the souls of the departed a place in his feet and provide strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense pain. I pray to Baba Kedar for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Uttarakhand chief minister added.
Amit Shah reacts to Uttarakhand accident
Union home minister Amit Shah offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.
