Bhimtal Bus Accident: Bus Plunges 150 Feet into Gorge, 5 Dead, 20 Injured, Survivors Share Harrowing Tales
A road accident occurred tragically when a bus carrying more than 30 people plunged 150 feet into a gorge near Vohra Kun in Bhimtal, Nainital, Uttarakhand. The incident left five people dead-the count of death included a child and two women besides one man while 20 were left injured. Those who got injured were shifted to Sushila Tiwari Hospital in Haldwani for treatment.
It was caused by an impromptu turn of the bus.
The bus was going to Haldwani from Pithoragarh when it went off the road in trying to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming Alto car. The bus rolled 4-5 times and descended into the gorge, where it came to rest. Several passengers were left trapped among the debris and were injured.
The entire day was spent in the rescue operation by SDRF, fire brigade, and local authorities evacuating the victims.
Horror tales of survivors
The passengers described the horrific scenes as the bus spun out of control, leaving them no chance to react. The roof of the bus came off mid-fall, causing severe injuries from shattered glass and dense bushes. Many survivors were seen pleading for help with folded hands as rescue teams used ropes to lift them to safety. Children were crying in pain, and families searched frantically for their loved ones amidst the wreckage.
उत्तराखंड के कुमाऊं स्थित भीमताल में बड़ा हादसा हो गया। यहां अल्मोड़ा से हल्द्वानी आ रही रोडवेज बस 1500 फीट गहरी खाई में गिर गई। pic.twitter.com/2qM5XR0lpL
— Rakesh chaudhari (@Rakeshchau58578) December 25, 2024
Government Response and Compensation
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami condoled the deaths and declared compensation of ₹10 lakh to the families of the dead, ₹5 lakh by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, ₹2 lakh by the Road Safety Fund, and ₹3 lakh from the CM's discretionary fund. The seriously injured would get ₹3 lakh, and those with minor injuries ₹15,000 to ₹25,000.
Order for Investigation
Uttarakhand Transport Corporation's managing director, Narendra Joshi has already issued an inquiry order. An investigation report is likely to come soon. This latest mishap has again highlighted issues about the safety of roads across Uttarakhand mountain regions.
