Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday expressed his condolences following the tragic bus accident that took 35 lives in Almora district of Uttarakhand. The MP took to X with a post calling the accident “extremely sad.” He extended heartfelt sympathies to the families and wished speed recovery to those injured in the accident.
Gandhi demanded thorough support from the administration of Uttarakhand for the affected families and urged the Congress workers to assist in the relief and rescue that is being undertaken.
The bus, carrying around 50 passengers, plunged into a deep gorge, resulting in several injuries.
Rescue operations are currently underway.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the accident. He ha also cancelled all his scheduled programs. In the aftermath of the accident, Pauri Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTO) and Almora’s ARTO were suspended and have initiated an investigation.
Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar said that, based on preliminary information, over 35 persons have reportedly lost their lives while more identity is awaited in this case. Some injured passengers have been transported to AIIMS in Rishikesh for treatment. He noted that the Chief Minister has canceled his commitments in Delhi to attend to the situation in Ramnagar.
“This is a very serious incident,” DGP Kumar said, adding that senior officials are currently on-site and are investigating the circumstances that led to the accident..
Uttarakhand Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat said that all measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. He announced that the state government would provide Rs 1 lakh to those injured, while families of the deceased will receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakhs.
CM Dhami confirmed that the critically injured have been airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh and Sushila Tiwari Hospital in Haldwani for advanced care. He posted on X that he is closely monitoring the relief efforts and has postponed all engagements to focus on this situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced Rs 2 lakhs for all the families of victims from the PM National Relief Fund. On the other hand, Rs 50,000 would be granted to the injured. Expressing his condolences, the PM highlighted the local administration’s efforts in the relief and rescue operations.
With inputs from ANI.