Daijiworld Media Network - Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh, Jul 15: A devastating road accident rocked the Muwani area of Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district on Tuesday, claiming eight lives and leaving three others critically injured after a Max vehicle carrying 13 passengers tumbled into a 150-metre-deep gorge.
The vehicle was reportedly travelling from Muwani to Bokta when the tragic mishap occurred. The force of the fall left the vehicle crushed beyond recognition. While eight passengers died on the spot, the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital by rescue teams mobilised under the district administration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences via a post from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, expressing sadness over the accident and announcing financial assistance. “An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 to each of the injured,” the post read.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also mourned the loss, offering prayers for the victims and their families. “I have directed the district administration to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment,” Dhami stated in a message posted on Facebook.
Disaster response teams and senior officials promptly reached the site, assisting in the rescue operation and coordinating medical aid for the survivors.
Local authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident. While the identities of the deceased are yet to be officially confirmed, officials believe all the victims were locals returning home. Preliminary findings suggest poor road conditions and high speed as potential contributing factors, though the investigation is ongoing.
The accident has cast a pall of grief over the region, renewing calls for better road safety infrastructure in Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain.