A tragic accident in Uttarakhand’s Almora district claimed at least 36 lives and left 19 injured after a bus plunged into a gorge on Monday. The bus, which was reportedly carrying over 30 passengers, was en route from Nainidanda in Pauri district to Ramnagar in Nainital when it veered off course and fell into the ravine.

Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police have been working at the scene in Marchula’s Salt area to locate and aid survivors. Initial investigations suggest that overloading may have contributed to the accident.

Almora Superintendent of Police Devendra Pincha indicated that the death toll might increase. The accident was first reported around 9 a.m. by passengers who managed to escape the bus during the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences and announced Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also declared financial aid of Rs 4 lakh for each bereaved family and Rs 1 lakh for the injured, directing a thorough investigation. Additionally, he ordered the suspension of the assistant regional transport officer (Enforcement) of the area.

Chief Minister Dhami expressed his sorrow over the tragic accident on social media, stating that swift action was underway to rescue the injured and transport them to medical facilities, with instructions to airlift those in critical condition.

President Draupadi Murmu also conveyed her condolences, expressing her sorrow for the loss of lives, including women and children, and wished a quick recovery for the injured.