Eight Dead, Three Injured As Vehicle Falls Into Gorge In Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh; PM Modi Expresses Grief

A tragic road accident in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district claimed eight lives on Tuesday when a Max vehicle carrying 13 passengers plunged into a 150-metre-deep gorge in the Muwani area. Three others suffered serious injuries.

The victims were travelling from Muwani to Bokta when the accident occurred. Preliminary reports point to poor road conditions and speeding as possible causes. However, the exact reason is still under investigation.

PM Modi and CM Dhami Express Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.

In a post from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, he said, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a road accident in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the mishap. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi“

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also mourned the incident. In a Facebook post, he conveyed his condolences and assured that the injured were receiving proper treatment. He added that the district administration has been directed to ensure full medical support to the injured and their families.

Senior officials and disaster management teams rushed to the accident site and began a rescue operation. The injured were evacuated from the gorge and taken to a nearby hospital for emergency care.

The vehicle was completely crushed in the fall. Local authorities said all the victims were residents of nearby villages and were on their way home when the accident happened. The identities of the deceased are yet to be officially confirmed.

The incident has sparked fresh concerns over road safety in the hilly terrain of Pithoragarh.

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