Uttarakhand Bus Tragedy: 36 Dead, Aid Announced

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

At least 36 passengers died and 19 were injured after a bus fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand’s Almora.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced ₹4 lakh for the deceased families and ₹1 lakh for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh aid for the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

On Monday morning, a tragic bus accident occurred in the Salt area of Marchula, Almora district, Uttarakhand, resulting in the death of at least 36 passengers and injuries to 19 others. The bus was en route from Pauri district’s Nainidanda to Nainital’s Ramnagar when it plunged into a deep gorge. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams arrived promptly to assist with rescue operations. Initial reports indicate that bus overloading may have contributed to the accident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences and announced ₹2 lakh financial assistance for the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami pledged ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured, alongside directing a magisterial inquiry.

Expressing his grief on social media, CM Dhami stated, “Deeply saddened by the unfortunate bus accident in Marchula, Almora. Instructions have been given for swift relief operations.” President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.