Tragedy struck near Uttarkashi’s Gangani late Tuesday evening when a bus, ferrying 27 pilgrims and 29 other passengers, veered off the road and collided with a tree. The impact claimed the lives of three women and left 26 others wounded. The accident occurred on the Gangotri National Highway along the Chardham Yatra route, plunging the vehicle into a ditch.
Promptly upon receiving the distress call, a multitude of emergency response teams swung into action. The Specialized Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Police, Forest Department, Fire Brigade, Disaster Management QRT, and Revenue Department swiftly mobilized to the scene. Additionally, medical teams from Harsil and Gangani rushed to the accident site, expediting the rescue operations.
The ill-fated bus, bearing the registration number UK 06 PA 1218, accommodated a total of 27 pilgrims and 29 other passengers, including the driver and conductor. Reports indicate that 29 injured individuals were transported to various hospitals across the district.
Tragically, one woman perished on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries later in the night. They were identified as Deepa, spouse of Mahendra Chandra, hailing from Halduchaur Haldwani in Nainital; Neema Keda, spouse of Puran Singh Keda, a resident of Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar; and Meena Raikwal, wife of Mahendra Singh Raikwal, residing in Gaulapar Haldwani, Nainital.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver lost control of the bus due to brake failure, causing the vehicle to plunge approximately 20 meters before colliding with a tree. Fortunately, the tree prevented the bus from plummeting further into the Bhagirathi River.
Dr. BS Rawat, the Chief Medical Officer overseeing disaster control efforts, confirmed the dispatch of six ambulances to the accident site. The injured were swiftly transported to the Bhatwadi and District Hospitals in Uttarkashi. Dr. Rawat himself led a team of medical professionals to the Primary Health Center in Bhatwadi to provide immediate medical assistance.