40 killed after bus falls into gorge in Uttarakhand

At least 40 people have been killed after a bus fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand’s Pauri district, the police said.

The incident occurred near Gween village in the district when the overloaded private bus, on its way to Ramnagar, fell into the 200-metre-deep gorge, Pauri Superintendent of Police Jagat Ram Joshi said.

The SP, who rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident, said at least 40 people were killed and over 12 injured, who have been rushed to a hospital in Dhumakot.

However, the exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “extremely saddened” by the accident. “My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance at the accident site,” he tweeted.

DIG Garhwal range Sanjay Gunjyal said, rescue operations are being carried out by the police and SDRF personnel, while senior officials have rushed to the spot.

Governor K. K. Paul and Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident and instructed the district administration to extend all help to the injured and the kin of the deceased.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted that he had spoken CM Rawat. “My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate accident. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.