A devastating road accident occurred in the Bhimtal area of Nainital district, Uttarakhand, on Wednesday, resulting in the death of four people and leaving 21 others injured. According to local authorities, the roadways bus, which was traveling from Bhimtal to Haldwani, plunged into a deep 100-metre gorge after the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle.
Dr. Jagdish Chandra, Superintendent of Police, Nainital, confirmed the incident, stating that the bus was carrying around 20 to 25 passengers when the tragic accident occurred. Local residents and rescue teams, including the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), rushed to the scene and carried out the operations to rescue the survivors. Video footage shared by news agencies showed SDRF personnel working diligently to assist the injured.
“21 people have been injured, and 4 people have tragically lost their lives,” Dr. Chandra told ANI. He added that the rescue operations were being carried out with the help of locals who were the first to reach the accident site.
The accident took place on December 25, 2024, and was reported to the District Control Room in Nainital. “The rescue teams from SDRF have reached the spot and are working to assist the injured,” said SSP Nainital, Prahlad Meena.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his grief over the tragic incident. “The news of the death of four people in the unfortunate bus accident near Bhimtal is extremely heart-rending. The seriously injured people are being treated at Sushila Tiwari Government Hospital, Haldwani. A team of doctors from AIIMS Rishikesh has also been sent to Haldwani. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of all the injured,” the Chief Minister posted on X.
The tragic accident occurred a day after another fatal crash in Jammu and Kashmir, where five army soldiers were killed when their vehicle fell into a gorge in the Poonch district. In that incident, the army vehicle was part of a convoy en route from Nilam Headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post. The cause of the accident in Poonch is being investigated, but initial reports suggest the driver may have lost control at a turn.
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, also expressed his sorrow over the loss of the soldiers. The Army has ruled out any terrorist involvement, emphasizing that the accident was an unfortunate incident and not linked to external threats.
Both incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by rescue teams and the urgent need for improved road safety measures in vulnerable areas. Local authorities are continuing their efforts to assist those affected by both tragedies.
Sources By Agencies