Eight Killed, Two Injured After Vehicle Falls Into Gorge in Uttarakhand’s Tehri; CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Expresses Grief

Dehradun:
In a tragic road accident in Tehri Garhwal, at least eight people lost their lives and two others sustained injuries after a utility vehicle plunged into a deep gorge on Thursday. The incident occurred in the Chamba area of the district.

How the Accident Happened

According to officials, the vehicle—identified as a Bolero Camper—fell nearly 300 metres into a gorge near Nail village on the Chamba-Koti road. Around 9 to 10 passengers were reportedly travelling in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

District Magistrate Nitika Khandelwal stated that the victims were residents of Thyoldhar village in Ghansali. They were returning home after attending a funeral in Haridwar when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle on the hilly stretch.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Rescue teams, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and fire services, rushed to the spot after receiving an alert through the emergency helpline.

• Eight bodies have been recovered so far
• Two injured passengers were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital
• Rescue operations continued for several hours due to the difficult terrain

Officials noted that the depth of the gorge and the rugged landscape made rescue efforts extremely challenging.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Reacts

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

In a statement, he said:

He also directed the district administration to ensure immediate and proper medical treatment for the injured and wished them a speedy recovery.

Rising Concern Over Hill Road Safety

This accident once again highlights the risks associated with travelling on narrow and winding hill roads in Uttarakhand. Factors such as sharp turns, poor visibility, overloading, and driver fatigue often contribute to such incidents.

Authorities have repeatedly urged:

• Regular vehicle maintenance
• Cautious driving on mountainous terrain
• Avoiding overloading of passenger vehicles

Ongoing Investigation

Officials have initiated an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest loss of control by the driver, but mechanical failure or road conditions have not yet been ruled out.

Conclusion

The tragic incident has left several families devastated and once again underscores the urgent need for stricter safety measures on hill roads. As rescue and investigation efforts continue, the focus remains on supporting the injured and ensuring accountability.