Atleast 14 people were killed and 12 others were injured after a tempo traveller fell into the Alakananda river in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district on Saturday, The Indian Express reported, citing a source in the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
“A tempo traveller met with an accident and fell into a ditch in Rudraprayag. Initial reports indicate that the vehicle was carrying an estimated 22 people. Of these, eight people lost their lives, while 15 others sustained injuries. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has mobilized a rescue team to conduct relief and rescue operations at the site,” the source said.
SDRF Commandant Manikant Mishra said that according to preliminary information, the vehicle was travelling from Ghaziabad to Chopta and the accident took place at 11.30 PM. It is suspected that the driver lost control because of a blind turn.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in a post on X said, “The news of the tempo traveller accident in Rudraprayag district is tragic. The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. The injured have been sent to the nearest medical center 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.”