Uttarakhand Bus Tragedy: At Least 7 Feared Dead After Bus Plunges Into Gorge in Almora; Rescue Ops Underway

Dehradun:
In a tragic road accident, a passenger bus plunged into a deep gorge near Bhikiyasain in Uttarakhand’s Almora district on Tuesday morning, leaving at least six to seven people feared dead, according to officials from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

The accident occurred on the Bhikiyasain–Vinayak Motor Road, a hilly stretch known for sharp turns and narrow passages. The bus was reportedly en route from Bhikiyasain to Ramnagar when it skidded off the road and fell into the gorge under circumstances that are still being investigated.

Rescue operations underway

Soon after receiving the distress call, SDRF rescue teams were rushed to the accident site, along with local police and district administration officials. Due to the steep terrain and difficult access, rescue efforts have been challenging.

Several injured passengers were pulled out of the gorge and shifted to the Government Hospital in Bhikiyasain, while those with serious injuries were referred to higher medical centres for advanced treatment.

“Rescue teams have been dispatched to the spot. There are reports of some fatalities,” Almora SSP Devendra Pincha said, adding that relief and evacuation operations were ongoing.

Chief Minister Dhami expresses grief

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said he was personally monitoring the situation.

“We have received extremely distressing news of a bus accident on the Bhikiyasain–Vinayak Motor Road in Almora district. This incident is profoundly painful and heart-wrenching,” CM Dhami said in a post on X.

He added that the district administration has been directed to ensure immediate medical care for the injured, and all necessary assistance is being provided to affected families.

Union Minister Ajay Tamta reacts

Union Minister and Almora–Pithoragarh MP Ajay Tamta also expressed anguish over the tragedy. He said that police, SDRF and administrative teams were carrying out a coordinated rescue operation.

“The news of this horrific road accident is extremely heartbreaking. Several passengers are feared dead or injured after the bus plunged into a gorge,” Tamta posted, assuring that medical facilities were being extended without delay.

Hill road safety concerns resurface

The incident once again highlights ongoing safety concerns on Uttarakhand’s hilly roads, especially during winter months when low temperatures, fog and slippery surfaces increase accident risks. Authorities are expected to conduct a technical inspection of the vehicle and assess road conditions to determine the cause of the crash.

More details are awaited as rescue operations continue and officials work to confirm the exact number of casualties.