Uttarakhand: 2 Killed, 10 Missing as Bus Carrying Pilgrims Plunges Into River

A pilgrimage turned tragic in Uttarakhand on Wednesday as a bus carrying Char Dham Yatra pilgrims plunged into the Alaknanda River in Rudraprayag district, leaving at least two people dead and 10 others missing. Rescue operations are currently underway.

The bus, which had 20 people on board, including the driver, was en route to Badrinath when it veered off the mountain road and fell into the fast-flowing river below. According to initial reports, the driver lost control while navigating the uphill route.

Eight people have been rescued so far, with several of them reportedly jumping off the vehicle moments before it plummeted. Rescue teams from the police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were immediately deployed to the scene, assisted by local residents.

Visuals from the site show a human chain being formed to help injured passengers climb up the hillside. The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, while efforts continue to trace the missing.

Top officials from the district administration, police, and disaster response agencies are overseeing the rescue mission. Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid spreading misinformation and allow emergency personnel to focus on relief efforts.

The ill-fated bus, a 31-seater, was reportedly carrying pilgrims from Rajasthan and Gujarat, who were on their way to the revered Badrinath shrine as part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.

The rescue operation remains ongoing, and officials fear the death toll may rise as search efforts continue.

Also Read: Assam: 15 Injured in Jorhat Bus Accident; Passengers Claim Driver Was Drunk