A bus carrying 41 pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh overturned near a sharp hairpin bend at Nalupani on the Gangotri National Highway around 10 a.m. on Friday, leaving 21 passengers with minor injuries.
The vehicle, bearing registration number UK 13PA-0085, was en route to Gangotri after the pilgrims had completed their visit to Yamunotri. According to initial reports, the bus was moving at a dangerously high speed when the driver lost control on the treacherous mountain curve, causing the vehicle to overturn.
Local authorities responded swiftly to the incident. Personnel from the Dharasu Police Station and the highway patrol team reached the spot immediately. The injured were provided first aid at the nearby Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Dunda, transported via 108 ambulance services and police vehicles. Later, they were referred to the District Hospital in Uttarkashi for further treatment.
Both the bus driver and conductor reportedly fled the scene after the accident. A search operation is underway to locate and apprehend them.
Passenger testimonies suggest the bus was being driven recklessly, with many alleging the driver ignored repeated pleas to slow down. Officials have launched an investigation, and further action will be taken after statements from the injured and other eyewitnesses are recorded.
The incident has once again highlighted serious safety concerns during the Char Dham Yatra season, when thousands of pilgrims navigate the narrow, winding roads of Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain. The district administration has reiterated calls for strict adherence to speed limits and road safety protocols, especially along the Yamunotri-Gangotri corridor.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “The news of the bus accident near Dharasu Nalupani is extremely saddening. I have directed the district administration to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment. Critically injured patients should be shifted to advanced medical centres without delay.”
The Chief Minister commended the prompt response by rescue teams and urged continued efforts in relief operations. “I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured passengers,” he added.
According to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 41 passengers were travelling in the bus when it overturned.
"Today, on 23rd May, in Uttarkashi district, at around 10:00 am, Dharasu police station informed the SDRF post Chinyalisaur that a bus has met with an accident near Dharasu Band. On receiving the information, the SDRF team immediately left for the spot under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Manish Bhakuni. According to preliminary information, the said vehicle (bus) went out of control and overturned on the road. A total of 41 people were travelling in the bus. SDRF and district police force carried out quick rescue operations and evacuated all the passengers safely from the bus," the SDRF said in a statement.
"8 to 10 persons have sustained minor injuries in the incident and have been sent to the hospital for first aid. All other passengers are safe," the SDRF said.
Police warn public as Ganga swells in Pauri Garhwal
The Uttarakhand Police on Friday issued precautionary advisories for areas near the Ganga ghats in Pauri Garhwal, urging residents and visitors to avoid the riverbanks due to rising water levels caused by recent rainfall and regulated water release from the Srinagar dam.
Speaking to mediapersons, Srinagar Deputy Superintendent of Police Anuj Kumar said, "The water level of the River is rising due to rainfall in the upper regions. Water is also being released from the dam from time to time. The police are appealing to people to stay away from the Ganga ghats and stay away from the places which may be harmful if the water level rises..."
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