Uttarakhand: 10 people killed, 13 injured as tempo traveller falls into deep gorge in Rudraprayag

Rescue operation underway after a vehicle fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand`s Rudraprayag. Pic/PTI

At least 10 people were reportedly killed and 13 injured after the tempo traveller in which they were travelling fell into a deep gorge on Badrinath Highway in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand on Saturday, reported the ANI.

State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police officials immediately rushed to the spot following the accident and launched a massive rescue operation.

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Officials said that four of the injured have sustained serious injuries and were undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the accident and said the seriously injured passengers are being airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh.

"Instructions have been given to the concerned officials for better treatment of the injured," he said.

The tempo was heading to Rudraprayag from Noida in Uttar Pradesh when it fell into the 150-meter-deep gorge, as per the ANI.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

Garhwal IG KS Nagnyal told ANI that the local administration, residents, and SDRF are engaged in a rescue and relief operation.

"The tempo traveller was heading towards Rudraprayag from Noida when it fell down into the 150-meter-deep ditch. The number of tourists travelling is not clear yet. We have recovered eight bodies and nine persons have been rushed to the hospital. The driver has also sustained severe injuries," he said, the news agency reported.

He added the exact details of passengers can be ascertained only after the completion of the rescue operation.

Dhami in a post on X expressed his condolences on the loss of lives in the accident and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.

"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," he said.

SDRF teams are engaged in rescue work: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the accident and said that local administration and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are engaged in rescue operation.

"Received the sad news of the road accident in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. My condolences are with the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue work and all possible help is being provided to the injured. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured," Amit Shah wrote on X.

(with ANI inputs)