According to police reports, a devastating bus accident near Marchula in Almora district, Uttarakhand, on Monday morning resulted in the loss of 36 lives.
The bus, carrying over 45 passengers, was traveling from the Golikhal area to Ramnagar when it plunged into a gorge.
Authorities promptly activated emergency services following the incident and initiated relief and rescue operations.
Police spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne confirmed the details of the tragedy. He stated that multiple teams, including police, fire services, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are actively working to evacuate the injured and transport them to nearby medical facilities.
Earlier, the Commissioner and Deputy Inspector General of Kumaon, along with the Superintendent of Police for Almora arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue efforts.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences and concern over the situation. He communicated with key officials, including the Secretary of Disaster Management and the Commissioner of Kumaon Division, to expedite rescue operations.
Taking to X, CM Dhami posted, “We received extremely sad news about passengers being casualties in the unfortunate bus accident that occurred in Marchula, Almora district. The district administration has been instructed to quickly carry out relief and rescue operations.”
“Local administration and SDRF teams are rapidly working at the site to evacuate the injured and transport them to the nearest health center for treatment. Instructions have also given to airlift seriously injured passengers if necessary,” he added.
जनपद अल्मोड़ा के मार्चुला में हुई दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण बस दुर्घटना में यात्रियों के हताहत होने का अत्यंत दुःखद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ। जिला प्रशासन को तेजी के साथ राहत एवं बचाव अभियान चलाने के निर्देश दिए हैं।
घटनास्थल पर स्थानीय प्रशासन एवं SDRF की टीमें घायलों को निकालकर उपचार के लिए…
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) November 4, 2024
Chief Minister Announces Compensation For Victims’ Families
To support the victims’ families, the Chief Minister announced a compensation package. He offered Rs 4 lakhs to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for each injured passenger.
जनपद अल्मोड़ा के मार्चुला में हुई हृदयविदारक बस दुर्घटना में अपनी जान गंवाने वाले यात्रियों के परिजनों के प्रति हमारी गहरी संवेदनाएं हैं, दुख की इस घड़ी में हम उनके साथ खड़े हैं। ईश्वर से घायलों के शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ और दिवंगतों की आत्मा को श्रीचरणों में स्थान प्रदान करने के लिए… pic.twitter.com/VeFrEmVGxA
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) November 4, 2024
CM Dhami also directed the suspension of the ARTO enforcement officers in the Pauri and Almora areas as part of the response to the incident.
Additionally, the Chief Minister has mandated a magisterial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the accident, underscoring the government’s commitment to uncovering the cause of this tragic event.
Rescue operations continue as officials work diligently to provide assistance and care to those affected by this unfortunate accident.
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