A routine morning commute turned into a nightmare in Uttarakhand’s Almora district on Tuesday as a passenger bus veered off the road and plunged into a 600-foot deep ravine, claiming seven lives and leaving several others critically injured.
At least seven people were killed and 12 others seriously injured on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025) after a passenger bus fell into a deep gorge in the Bhikiyasain area of Almora. The vehicle, which was traveling from Dwarahat to Ramnagar, reportedly lost control near the Vinayak region. Rescue operations were launched immediately by the State Disaster Response Force and local police, who battled difficult terrain to pull victims from the wreckage.
The accident happened around 9:00 AM near Sailapani. While the bus wasn’t reported to be overloaded, carrying about 19 passengers, initial assessments suggest a technical fault or a loss of control on a sharp bend led to the disaster.
- The Victims: Authorities have identified the deceased as Govind Ballabh (80), Parvati Devi (75), Nandan Singh (65), Tara Devi (50), Ganesh (25), Umesh (25), and Govindi Devi (58). Most victims were residents of the Jamoli and Dwarahat areas.
- Rescue Operation: Local villagers were the first to reach the site, providing immediate help before the SDRF and police teams arrived. The depth of the gorge (about 200 meters) made the recovery process exceptionally challenging.
- Medical Status: The injured were initially rushed to the Government Hospital in Bhikiyasain. Because of how badly they were hurt, three passengers were airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh for specialized care, while others were referred to higher medical facilities in Ramnagar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, saying, “The loss of lives due to a bus mishap in the Almora district of Uttarakhand is extremely saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.” The Prime Minister’s Office is expected to announce financial relief for the families.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also offered condolences and confirmed he’s in constant contact with the district administration. “The incident is profoundly painful and heart-wrenching. I have directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment without delay,” the CM said in a post on X.
The hilly terrain of Uttarakhand is prone to these kinds of accidents, particularly during the winter months when visibility can be poor and road conditions vary. This tragedy follows a horrific accident in the same district in late 2024 that killed 36 people, highlighting the ongoing challenges of mountain road safety and the urgent need for stricter technical inspections of commercial vehicles.
A formal investigation has been launched by regional transport officials to figure out if mechanical failure or driver fatigue played a role. Authorities are also reviewing the safety barriers at the specific bend near Vinayak to prevent future incidents. In the meantime, additional police pickets have been set up on the Bhikiyasain–Ramnagar route to monitor vehicle speeds.
Also Read / Andhra Pradesh: Nine dead as bus carrying pilgrims falls into gorge.
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