What Happened in the Rudraprayag Road Accident Involving Pilgrims from Rajasthan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Six pilgrims from Rajasthan are missing following the accident.
- The vehicle fell into the Alaknanda river after a truck collision.
- The group was part of the Char Dham Yatra.
- Rajasthan CM contacted Uttarakhand CM for updates.
- Relief efforts are underway by local authorities.
Jaipur, June 26 (NationPress) Six pilgrims from Rajasthan have gone missing, with one individual sustaining injuries, following a tragic road accident near Gholtir in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. The incident occurred when a vehicle carrying 20 pilgrims plunged into the Alaknanda river after being struck from behind by a truck.
According to officials, the group was on their way to Badrinath Dham after visiting Kedarnath as part of the Char Dham Yatra. Among the 20 passengers, seven hailed from Rajasthan.
The accident resulted in the loss of three lives, including two individuals from Madhya Pradesh and one from Gujarat, while eight others suffered injuries.
Authorities reported that six pilgrims from Rajasthan remain unaccounted for. The injured individual has been identified as Hemlata Soni, a resident of Gogunda in Udaipur, and is currently receiving medical attention.
Initial reports suggest that the group included Lalit Soni, a jeweller from Surat originally from Udaipur, who was travelling with his wife, four children, and extended family members, including sisters, in-laws, and a cousin.
Kundan Soni, a relative in Udaipur, confirmed that Advocate Sanjay Soni, along with his wife Chetna, mother, sister Bhavna, Hemlata, Lalit, and other family members embarked on their pilgrimage around 10 days ago.
Some of the passengers were reportedly rescued after becoming trapped on the hillside during the fall.
In response to the tragedy, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma contacted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for an update regarding the road accident.
He conveyed his profound sorrow over the incident and expressed condolences to the grieving families.
Sharma stated that Chief Minister Dhami assured him that relief and rescue operations are underway, and that the local administration has been directed to avoid any lapses.
The Rajasthan government remains in constant communication with Uttarakhand authorities, closely monitoring the situation.
He also prayed for the peace of the deceased, the safe return of the missing, and a swift recovery for those injured.