Uttarakhand Accident: 9 Dead After Garwal Motors Bus Falls Into Gorge Near Pauri-Almora

At least 9 people lost their lives, and many others were injured following a bus accident in the Almora district of Uttarakhand on Monday. According to officials, the bus, carrying approximately 40 passengers, lost control near Kupi village in Marchula and plunged into a deep gorge.

The bus, operated by Garhwal Motor Owners Union Limited, was en route from Garhwal to Kumaon when the incident occurred. District Magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey initially reported seven fatalities, but Almora District Disaster Management Officer Vineet Pal later confirmed that the death toll had risen to 20.

The bus, a 42-seater, reportedly had between 30 to 35 passengers onboard at the time of the accident, though exact numbers remain unverified. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have arrived at the site to carry out search and rescue efforts, providing assistance to those affected.

The number of casualties may increase, as around 40 passengers were onboard when the bus fell into a gorge approximately 200 meters deep. Search and rescue operations are currently being conducted by police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel at the accident site. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his sorrow over the tragic event.

"I received the very sad news of casualties among passengers in the unfortunate bus accident that occurred in Marchula, Almora district. The district administration has been instructed to expedite relief and rescue operations," he posted on X.

He further stated, "The local administration and SDRF teams are working diligently to evacuate the injured and transport them to the nearest healthcare facility. Instructions have also been given to airlift severely injured passengers if necessary."

Local residents noted that many migrants returning to their native villages for Diwali celebrations are now heading back to their work locations, resulting in overcrowded cabs and buses in the mountainous region.