Uttarakhand: At least 14 die after state transport corporation bus falls into gorge
Search and rescue operations are on, the government has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter.
At least 14 people died and 18 sustained injuries after an Uttarakhand Transport Corporation bus they were travelling in fell into a gorge, ANI reported. The vehicle skidded off the Rishikesh-Gangotri Highway near Suryadhar. It was going from Uttarkashi to Haridwar with 25 passengers onboard.
The state administration has deployed helicopters to transport the injured from the site to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh. Police officials, fire department from Tehri, and a Disaster Response Team from Chamba are also at the spot, with search and rescue operations underway.
“All the injured have been rescued,” said Inspector General State Disaster Response Force Sanjay Gunjyal said, adding that bodies are being recovered.
#UPDATE: State govt has directed helicopters be made available to bring the injured to AIIMS. The next kin of the deceased will be provided compensation of Rs 2 Lakh each. Rs 50,000 each will be provided to the injured. Magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the matter. https://t.co/BUyqdbgHHm
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018
The government announced a compensation package of Rs 2 lakh each for the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. It has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the accident.
On July 1, at least 48 people were killed and 10 injured after a bus they were travelling in plunged into a gorge in Dhumakot area of Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand, PTI reported.