A tragic bus accident on the mountain route connecting Pauri and Almora districts in Uttarakhand has claimed seven lives, with several others injured. The bus, carrying around 22 passengers, veered off a sharp turn on the narrow, treacherous road near Mohanri and fell into a deep gorge. This incident has drawn renewed attention to road safety on the state’s perilous mountainous routes.
Immediate Response and Rescue Operation
The accident, which occurred early on Monday morning, saw a swift response from local authorities. Upon receiving the report around 9:30 AM, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police, along with rescue teams led by District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan, began the difficult task of reaching the accident site. Given the challenging terrain and steep mountainside, the team arrived within an hour, navigating dense forests and rugged terrain with specialized rescue equipment and rope rescue techniques.
The rescue operation was particularly challenging due to the remote location and rocky landscape. Despite these obstacles, first responders managed to assist the injured and transport them to nearby healthcare facilities. The rescue teams’ quick response was instrumental in limiting further fatalities.
Casualties and Medical Support
The accident claimed seven lives, including two women, five men, and the bus driver. Another 15 passengers suffered injuries of varying severity. Following initial treatment at the primary health center in Dhumakot, critically injured passengers were transferred to Pauri District Hospital for advanced care. Additional medical staff and resources were mobilized to handle the influx of injured patients, ensuring they received prompt attention.
Eyewitness Accounts and Preliminary Findings
According to eyewitnesses and initial police reports, the bus was en route from Ramnagar to Pauri. While negotiating a sharp turn near Mohanri, the bus reportedly experienced a mechanical failure—possibly brake-related—that caused it to lose control. It veered off the road, skidding down nearly 250 meters into the gorge before coming to rest. The passengers onboard experienced the terrifying fall as the vehicle descended at high speed before hitting the gorge floor.
Government Response and Support
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident and announced ex-gratia payments of Rs. 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The state government also pledged to cover all medical expenses for the injured passengers. Additionally, the Chief Minister has ordered an in-depth investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Road Safety and Infrastructure in Focus
The tragic accident on the Pauri-Almora route—a mountainous, winding road known for its sharp turns and narrow lanes—highlights serious road safety concerns in Uttarakhand’s hilly regions. This route has seen a series of accidents in recent years, raising alarm over road safety measures and the condition of public transport vehicles operating in these regions.
In response, the Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with conducting an immediate safety audit of all major mountain roads in Uttarakhand. This audit will focus on identifying high-risk areas and implementing additional safety protocols where necessary.
Strengthening Safety Measures for Future Prevention
The accident has prompted the state transport department to announce several new safety measures aimed at reducing the risk of similar tragedies on mountainous routes. These include:
- Mandatory fitness checks for all buses operating on mountain roads.
- Enhanced driver training programs focusing on skills necessary for navigating challenging mountain terrain.
- Installation of GPS tracking systems in all public transport vehicles, allowing authorities to monitor vehicle locations and speeds.
- The possibility of introducing stricter regulations for vehicles operating in high-altitude areas during adverse weather conditions.
These measures aim to enhance the overall safety of public transport in high-risk regions and reduce accident rates across the state’s challenging terrains.
Strengthening the Emergency Response System
The state government has announced plans to improve the emergency response system along major mountain routes. Plans include:
- Establishing additional medical outposts in remote areas.
- Deploying rapid response vehicles at strategic locations along these mountain routes.
- Improving communication infrastructure in remote regions to facilitate faster response times during accidents and emergencies.
These initiatives are critical to ensuring that injured passengers receive immediate assistance in case of future accidents, minimizing casualties in challenging and hard-to-reach areas.
Community Support and Local Response
In the aftermath of the accident, the local community demonstrated remarkable solidarity. Residents from nearby villages rallied to assist in the rescue operations, providing immediate help to the victims and their families. Local NGOs and social organizations have also extended their support to affected families, showing the resilience and unity of the community in times of crisis.
Raising Awareness for Road Safety on Mountain Routes
This incident has highlighted the urgent need for improved road safety measures on mountain roads across Uttarakhand. Authorities are keen on preventing similar tragedies and ensuring that the region’s infrastructure is better equipped to handle the demands of high-altitude travel.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing immediate support to those impacted while simultaneously addressing long-term safety concerns. The government’s actions underscore the importance of community safety and the value of swift and effective emergency response in saving lives on these high-risk routes.
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