Tragic Bus Accident in Uttarakhand: 3 Dead, 9 Missing as Pilgrim Vehicle Plunges into Alaknanda River
RUDRAPRAYAG (June 26, 2024): A devastating bus accident in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district has left three pilgrims dead, eight injured, and nine others missing after the vehicle fell into the raging Alaknanda River on Thursday. The bus, carrying devotees from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, was en route to Badrinath when the tragedy struck near Gholtir village on the Badrinath National Highway.
Details of the Accident
The bus lost control and plunged into the Alaknanda River, triggering a massive rescue operation led by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and villagers. Due to the river’s strong currents, rescue efforts have been severely hampered. Authorities fear that missing passengers may have been swept downstream towards the Srinagar Garhwal dam, located about 40 km from the accident site.
Rescue Operations Underway
Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that one fatality has been reported so far, with seven others injured. The injured are currently receiving treatment at the district hospital, while arrangements are being made to airlift the critically wounded to AIIMS for advanced care.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured that relief operations are being conducted on a “war footing.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated:
“The news of a tempo traveller falling into a river in Rudraprayag district is deeply tragic. Relief and rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing by SDRF and other rescue teams. I am in constant contact with the local administration. I pray to God for everyone’s safety.”
जनपद रुद्रप्रयाग में एक टेंपो ट्रैवलर के नदी में गिरने का समाचार अत्यंत दुःखद है। SDRF सहित अन्य बचाव दलों द्वारा युद्ध स्तर पर राहत एवं बचाव कार्य किया जा रहा है।
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) June 26, 2025
इस संबंध में निरंतर स्थानीय प्रशासन से संपर्क में हूं। ईश्वर से सभी के सकुशल होने की प्रार्थना करता हूं।
जनपद रुद्रप्रयाग में टेंपो ट्रैवलर दुर्घटना में घायल यात्रियों के उपचार हेतु राहत कार्य लगातार जारी है। गंभीर रूप से घायलों को त्वरित चिकित्सा सहायता पहुंचाते हुए 3 यात्रियों को हेली एम्बुलेंस से AIIMS ऋषिकेश भेजा गया है। लापता यात्रियों की खोज के लिए SDRF और जल पुलिस की टीमें… pic.twitter.com/ChtMGKGfW8
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) June 26, 2025
Passenger Details & Ongoing Search
According to IG Nilesh Anand Bharane, Police Headquarters spokesperson, the bus was carrying 18 passengers. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest a loss of control led to the plunge.
As search teams scour the riverbanks and dam area, families of the missing passengers anxiously await updates. The SDRF has deployed additional personnel to assist in the operation.
VIDEO | Rudraprayag: A passenger bus plunged into the Alaknanda River near Gholtir on the Badrinath Highway. Rescue operation is currently underway. Further details awaited.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 26, 2025
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/yxDirR2jMW
Government Response & Support
The Uttarakhand government has assured full support to the victims’ families, with emergency helplines activated for assistance. The Chief Minister has directed officials to expedite rescue efforts and provide the best possible medical care to survivors.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of travel in hilly terrains, especially during the pilgrimage season. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution on winding Himalayan roads.
