Tragic Bus Accident in Uttarkashi: 7 Pilgrims from Bhavnagar Killed, 27 Injured
In a heartbreaking incident, a bus carrying 35 pilgrims from Bhavnagar met with a tragic accident in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The accident took place at Gangnani as the bus was returning from Gangotri to Uttarkashi. The unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of seven lives, while 27 others sustained injuries.
A group of pilgrims from Bhavnagar embarked on a spiritual journey to Gangotri, one of the sacred Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand. However, tragedy struck on their return journey, casting a shadow of grief over the entire community.
The ill-fated bus met with an accident at Gangnani, plunging into a gorge and resulting in the loss of seven lives. The survivors vividly recount the harrowing experience of the bus rolling down the gorge, causing severe injuries to many passengers.
Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, expressed his deep condolences for the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims. He conveyed his wishes for the swift recovery of those who were injured in the accident.
In his statement, Chief Minister Patel said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident in which pilgrims from Gujarat were killed when their bus crashed into a gorge in Uttarakhand. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families.”
The Gujarat government has been in constant communication with the Uttarakhand government to gather detailed information about the accident. Alok Pandey, the state relief commissioner, issued a statement confirming the collaboration between the two governments. The injured were promptly transported to a hospital in Rishikesh for medical attention.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and medical teams were quickly deployed to the accident scene, ensuring a rapid response to the tragedy. Additionally, a helicopter was stationed in Dehradun to provide assistance if required.
Ketan Rajyaguru, one of the survivors of the accident, shared his harrowing experience from the hospital. “The accident happened on our way back from Gangotri to Uttarkashi. Around 4 p.m., the bus started rolling down the gorge. I went unconscious. I was in a hospital when I awoke.” Rajyaguru’s account offers a chilling glimpse into the terrifying moments of the accident.
The tragic incident occurred amid challenging conditions in Uttarakhand, where heavy rains triggered landslides and flash floods in several parts of the state. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, currently in Delhi, directed top officials to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing.