Fourteen people lost their lives and 12 others sustained injuries on Saturday morning when a tempo traveler plunged into the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, according to a statement from a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) official.
The incident occurred around 11:30 pm near Rudraprayag city, as the vehicle, en route from Delhi to Chopta, reportedly lost control on a blind turn, falling 200 meters from the highway. Ten individuals died at the scene, while four others succumbed either en route to the hospital or during treatment.
Following the tragedy, SDRF and district rescue teams promptly initiated relief and rescue operations at the site. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the accident, ordering a thorough investigation and warning of strict action against any officials found negligent in their duties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced financial assistance, offering Rs 2 lakh to the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Expressing sorrow over the incident, the PMO shared condolences, calling the road accident in Rudraprayag “heartbreaking.”
