A pilgrimage trip from Rajasthan to Uttarakhand took a tragic turn on Thursday morning when a tempo traveller carrying 20 people, including the driver, veered off the road and plunged into the Alaknanda River near Gholtir in Rudraprayag district. The devastating accident has so far claimed at least two lives, with eight others injured and several still unaccounted for.

According to preliminary information, the vehicle — which was headed toward the revered Badrinath temple — lost control on a steep and sharply curved stretch of road. Officials stated that the fast-moving river current made rescue operations significantly more difficult.

Rescue and Recovery Underway

Emergency response teams, including personnel from the SDRF, the Indian Army, and police units from Agastyamuni, Gochar, and Ratuda, were dispatched immediately to the site. Despite the rugged terrain and challenging water conditions, eight individuals were rescued and admitted to the district hospital. Two of the critically injured were airlifted by an AIIMS Rishikesh helicopter for advanced medical care.

Victims Identified

Among the injured are Deepika Soni (42), Hemlata Soni (45), Ishwar Soni (46), Amita Soni (49), Bhavna Ishwar Soni (43), Bhavya Soni (7), Parth Soni (10), and Sumit Kumar (23), who was driving the vehicle.

The group was reportedly composed of families from Rajasthan and Gujarat on a Char Dham pilgrimage. Authorities are still working to confirm the exact number of casualties, with some sources reporting up to 11 individuals missing.

Official Statements and Updates

Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey provided an update from the scene, stating: “One person has died and seven people were injured after an 18-seater bus fell into the Alaknanda river in Gholthir of Rudraprayag district. Teams of SDRF, police and administration are present on the spot for the rescue operation.”

IG Nilesh Anand Bharane from Uttarakhand Police explained that the vehicle had lost control before falling into the river, reiterating that efforts are ongoing to retrieve those still missing.

Chief Minister’s Response

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed sorrow over the tragic incident. Sharing a message on social media, he wrote:

“The news of a tempo traveller falling into a river in Rudraprayag district is deeply tragic. Relief and rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing by SDRF and other rescue teams. I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter. I pray to God for everyone’s safety.”

A Region Prone to Accidents

This latest incident comes just days after a separate accident in Himachal Pradesh, where a bus veered off course and plunged into a gorge in Mandi, resulting in one fatality and injuries to 18 passengers. Mountainous routes in northern India remain vulnerable to such mishaps due to sharp turns, narrow roads, and unpredictable terrain.

Back in Rudraprayag, search efforts remain in full swing. Rescue personnel are combing the riverbanks and surrounding area in hopes of finding the remaining missing individuals. Meanwhile, officials are urging tourists and transport operators to exercise heightened caution while navigating these high-altitude routes.