Daijiworld Media Network - Nainital

Nainital, Nov 2: In a tragic accident late on Saturday night, two people lost their lives and 14 others sustained injuries after a tempo traveller carrying Delhi-bound tourists plunged nearly 80 feet into a deep gorge near Jyolikot, close to Nainital.

According to police, the vehicle with 16 passengers was returning to Delhi after visiting the famous Kainchi Dham temple dedicated to Baba Neem Karori Maharaj when the mishap occurred around 12:30 a.m. at Matiyali Bend — a sharp and accident-prone curve known for its steep gradient.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver lost control of the tempo traveller on the narrow mountain road, causing it to skid and roll down the gorge.

On receiving the alert, Jyolikot outpost in-charge Shyam Singh Bora along with a police team and local villagers launched a rescue operation that lasted over two hours. Despite the difficult terrain and darkness, all 16 passengers were traced and rescued from the ravine.

“They were immediately shifted to Sushila Tiwari Hospital in Haldwani with the help of 108 ambulances,” SHO Bora said.

Doctors at the hospital declared the tempo traveller’s driver, Sonu Singh of Rohtak (Haryana), and passenger Gaurav Bansal dead on arrival. The remaining 14 injured tourists are undergoing treatment, with several reported to be in serious condition.

Police said that the accident appears to have occurred due to a combination of driver error and the treacherous nature of the hilly road. A detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the crash.