India

Tragic Bus Accident in India Claims 36 Lives, Dozens Injured

Published

1 month ago

November 4, 2024

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Almora, India – At least 36 people were killed and over 20 injured when a passenger bus carrying 60 people plunged into a deep gorge in northern India’s Almora district today.

The incident occurred after the bus veered off the road and skidded along a rugged path before falling approximately 60 meters into the gorge.

Survivors who managed to escape from the bus quickly alerted local authorities, sparking an emergency response. Teams of rescue workers and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene, with officials warning that the death toll could rise as recovery efforts continue.

Emergency services scrambled to the scene where the bus had rolled into a ditch (Picture: AP) — Emergency services scrambled to the scene where the bus had rolled into a ditch Picture AP

epa11700355 A handout photo made available by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) shows SDRF members shifting an injured person to hospital after a bus fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand's Almora District, India, 04 November 2024. At least 36 people died when a 45-seater passenger bus fell into a gorge at Marchula, according to district authorities. EPA/State Disaster Response Force HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES — Members of the SDRF helped the families of those who were killed in the crash Picture EPA

Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, confirmed that efforts are underway to evacuate injured passengers to nearby healthcare centres.

Authorities have also directed emergency services to airlift those with life-threatening injuries to more advanced facilities.

Today’s tragedy is the latest in a series of deadly bus accidents in India this year. Just last week, a bus accident in Rajasthan’s Sikar district killed 12 passengers, while in July, 18 people died when a double-decker passenger bus collided with a milk truck in Uttar Pradesh. Earlier in May, another bus carrying Hindu pilgrims fell into a gorge in Kashmir, resulting in 21 fatalities.

India continues to record some of the highest road fatalities worldwide, with many incidents attributed to a combination of reckless driving, poorly maintained roads, and ageing vehicles.