What Happened in the Rudraprayag Accident? Rescue Efforts Continue

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two fatalities reported in the Rudraprayag accident.
- Approximately a dozen individuals are still missing.
- Local residents played a crucial role in the initial rescue.
- Government agencies are coordinating efforts to ensure effective rescue operations.
- Community involvement is vital during such emergencies.
Dehradun, June 26 (NationPress) Relief and rescue operations are in full swing in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, where teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police are tirelessly working to evacuate victims from the scene of the tragic incident.
As per the latest updates, the accident has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, while nearly a dozen others remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that they may have been swept away by the turbulent river.
In response, the Uttarakhand government is closely monitoring the ongoing rescue operations.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to social media platform X to announce that the rescue efforts are being conducted on an urgent basis, with three individuals successfully airlifted to AIIMS in Rishikesh for medical care.
“The SDRF and police are actively involved in the search for the missing passengers. The administration is handling the situation with the highest level of sensitivity and urgency,” he stated.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Thursday morning when a 31-seater Tempo Traveller plunged into the Alaknanda River.
The vehicle was transporting 20 pilgrims bound for the Char Dham pilgrimage. Initial reports indicate that at least two people have lost their lives, while ten others were reported missing after the Tempo Traveller veered off the road this morning.
The bus skidded off course after the driver lost control, resulting in it careening into the river below.
Local residents acted quickly, rescuing injured individuals from the accident site. Eyewitnesses reported that several passengers jumped from the bus as it rolled down the hill before submerging in the river.
The Uttarakhand Police shared images of the rescue efforts, showing the bus, which was carrying passengers from Rajasthan and Gujarat, being attended to by rescue teams and locals. In the photographs, individuals can be seen forming human chains to assist injured passengers in climbing the steep terrain.
Currently, senior officials from the Uttarakhand Police and disaster response teams are overseeing the rescue operations at the scene.