Daijiworld Media Network- Dehradun

Dehradun, Jun 26: Tragedy struck in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district on Wednesday when a bus carrying 18 passengers lost control and plunged into the Alakananda river, leaving one person dead and ten others missing, officials confirmed.

The incident occurred as the bus was navigating an uphill stretch when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and fall into the river below. The accident site is said to be particularly steep and challenging, further complicating rescue efforts.

Seven people have been rescued so far, with rescue teams comprising the Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) racing against time to search for the missing passengers. The injured survivors have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Top officials from the police, district administration, and disaster management teams are present at the site, closely monitoring the ongoing rescue and relief operations. The area has been cordoned off, and efforts are being made to retrieve the submerged parts of the vehicle.

Visuals from the scene show a grim picture of the rescue mission, with local residents forming human chains to assist in pulling out injured victims from the gorge.

In a statement, the administration urged the public to refrain from spreading rumours and assured that all possible efforts are being made to trace the missing passengers and provide timely medical aid.

This tragic mishap highlights yet again the dangerous terrain and road conditions in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand, particularly during the monsoon season. An inquiry is expected to be initiated to determine the exact cause of the accident.