Passenger Bus With 18 People Onboard Falls Into Alakananda River In Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag, Rescue Ops Underway

Rudraprayag: At least two people have died and seven others were injured after a bus carrying 18 passengers fell into the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district.

The accident happened when the vehicle, which was travelling from Rudraprayag towards a higher area, lost control and plunged into the river near Gholtir. So far, seven people have been rescued, while search efforts continue for the remaining 10 who are still missing.

"So far, one person has died and seven people have been injured after an 18-seater bus fell into the Alaknanda river in Gholtir of Rudraprayag district,” said Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey. 

“Teams of SDRF, police, and administration are present on the spot for the rescue operation.”

Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were quickly deployed to the accident site. Personnel from nearby Agastyamuni, Ratuda, and Gochar police stations also joined the effort. However, officials said that strong river currents and steep, rocky terrain are making the operation difficult.

Spokesperson for the Police Headquarters, IG Nilesh Anand Bharane, confirmed the bus had veered off the road and fallen into the Alaknanda River. “The vehicle was en route from Rudraprayag towards the upper areas when it lost control,” he stated.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his sorrow over the accident. In a post on social media platform X, he wrote, “The news of a tempo traveller falling into a river in Rudraprayag district is deeply tragic. Relief and rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing by SDRF and other rescue teams. I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter. I pray to God for everyone’s safety.”

Rescue teams have managed to save seven people, who have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Efforts are ongoing to find the 10 passengers still missing. Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved.