Uttarkashi bus accident: 25 pilgrims die as bus falls into gorge

Uttarkashi: Twenty-five passengers on board were killed and three others seriously injured when a bus fell into a deep gorge at Damta in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district.

The passengers were from Madhya Pradesh and were on their way to visit Yamunotri. Apart from the driver and helper, there were 28 other passengers on board the bus. Additional Chief Secretary Radha Raturi said 17 bodies have been found.

Three of the injured persons have been admitted to the community health centre in Damta. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the relief and rescue operations and sent the district magistrate to the accident site. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held talks with Dhami and took stock of the situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttarakhand Governor Gurmeet Singh have expressed grief over the accident. The Prime Minister announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the heirs of the deceased.