Uttarakhand accident: At least 14 killed, 12 injured as tempo traveller falls into Alaknanda river

Fourteen people were killed and twelve othersinjured when a tempo traveller plunged into the Alaknanda River in India's Uttarakhand state on Saturday (June 15), according to reports. The tragic event is said to have likely happenedbecause of a blind turn following which the driver lost control of the vehicle.

The devastating incident took place in Rudraprayag district on Saturday (June 15), according to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

The ill-fated vehicle, bearing a Haryana registration number, had 26 passengers in it. As per SDRF, the death toll could rise as several injured individuals are in critical condition.

SDRF Commandant Manikant Mishra shared that the tempo traveller had departed from Delhi around 11 pm on Friday (June 14) and was en route to Chopta,209 kilometres from Uttarakhand's capital city of Dehradun.

Rudraprayag SP Vishakha Ashok Bhadane said that the rescue operation is underway.Both SDRF and police teams were actively engaged in the rescue efforts.

SDRF Commandant Mishra said that a blind turn could be the cause of the tragedy that struck the tempo traveller.

AIIMS Rishikesh Executive Director Meenu Singh said that after the "very unfortunate incident", seven people were brought to the AIIMS. She said that out of them two were brought dead. "The situation of two others is serious, and they are getting treated in the red area (of the hospital)," she added, as reported by PTI news agency.

Reacting to the tragic incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “People seriously injured in the Rudraprayag road accident are being airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh. Instructions have been given to the officials for better treatment of the injured. Our government is committed to provide all possible help to the injured.”

Earlier, Dhami had expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter) saying, “Very sad news was received about a tempo traveller accident in Rudraprayag district. The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. The injured have been sent to the nearest medical centre for treatment. The district magistrate has been ordered to investigate the incident.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences saying, “The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue work and all possible help is being provided to the injured."

(With inputs from agencies)