An overcrowded bus carrying approximately 60 passengers plummeted into a 200-foot gorge in northern India’s mountainous Uttarakhand state on Monday, November 4, killing at least 36 people, and injuring six.
The incident occurred in the Marchula area of Almora district when the driver lost control of the vehicle, which was en route from Garhwal district to Ramnagar.
Local officials reported that the bus, designed to accommodate 42 passengers, was carrying approximately 60 people at the time of the incident. Vineet Pal, a Uttarakhand state official, confirmed that two transport officials have been suspended for authorizing the operation of the substandard vehicle.
Emergency response teams, including the State Disaster Response Force and local volunteers, arrived at the scene to assist survivors. Several critically injured passengers were airlifted to nearby medical facilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation packages for the victims’ families. The federal government will provide 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,378) to families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees ($594) to those injured.
Additionally, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared state compensation of 400,000 rupees ($4,750) for families of the deceased and 100,000 rupees ($1,190) for the injured.
The state government has initiated an investigation into the crash. Preliminary findings indicate the bus was in poor mechanical condition prior to the incident.
India experiences one of the world’s highest rates of road fatalities, with approximately 160,000 people killed annually in vehicular accidents. Experts attribute these incidents to factors including reckless driving, poorly maintained roads, and aging vehicles.
The Almora district, situated in the Himalayan region, relies heavily on bus transportation due to its mountainous terrain. Similar incidents have occurred in recent months, including a bus accident in July in Uttar Pradesh that resulted in 18 fatalities and another in Indian-administered Kashmir where 21 pilgrims lost their lives.