At least two people have died and seven others were injured after an 18-seater bus plunged into the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. The accident occurred near Gholtir, and the passengers were reportedly on a pilgrimage from Udaipur, Rajasthan, en route to the Badrinath temple.
According to IG Nilesh Anand Bharane, the bus lost control and fell into the river. So far, seven individuals have been rescued, while search and rescue operations continue for at least 10 passengers still missing.
Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the casualties and stated that teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local police and administrative personnel, are on the scene. However, strong river currents and difficult terrain are hampering rescue efforts.
Police teams from Agastyamuni, Ratuda, and Gochar police stations have also been deployed to assist in the operation.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a statement, he said:
“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.”
Injured victims have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while rescue teams continue to search for the missing. The full extent of the casualties will become clearer as operations progress.
