The fatality count from the bus crash in Almora district, Uttarakhand, has risen to 36. As stated by district officials, a passenger bus, which can accommodate 45 people, plunged into a gorge approximately 200 meters deep in Marchula this morning while on its way from Pauri in Garhwal to Ramnagar in Kumaon—a journey of roughly 250 km that takes a night to complete. The incident occurred about 35 km away from its final stop, Rampur. Authorities, including the police and the State Disaster Response Force, have commenced a rescue operation at the site of the accident.
The incident, according to officials, occurred at approximately 8:25 am. Nearby villagers were the initial responders and began helping the passengers. While numerous passengers died on the scene, at least nine later died from their injuries after being taken to the hospital. Three passengers have been airlifted and are en route to AIIMS. The bus was operated by the Garhwal Motor Owners’ Union, and an investigation is underway to determine the factors that led to this tragedy. Officials from Almora and Ramnagar are present at the location.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has stated that the district administration has been instructed to expedite the rescue efforts. “I have received very distressing news regarding the casualties of passengers in the tragic bus accident that occurred in Marchula of Almora district.”
The district administration has been directed to swiftly carry out rescue and relief operations,” he stated on X. “The local authorities and SDRF teams are promptly working to evacuate the injured and transport them to the nearest medical facility for treatment. Orders have also been issued to airlift seriously injured passengers if necessary,” the Chief Minister announced.
The Chief Minister has ordered the suspension of the RTO officials in the region. He has declared a compensation of ₹ 4 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the accident, as well as an assistance of ₹ 1 lakh for the injured. A magisterial inquiry has also been initiated.