At least 36 killed as bus falls in India's Uttarakhand
The death count in the bus accident in Uttarakhand's Almora district of India has climbed to 36, according to NDTV.
Local authorities report that the passenger bus, with a capacity of 45 seats, plunged into a 200-meter-deep gorge near Marchula early this morning. The vehicle was en route from Pauri in Garhwal to Ramnagar in Kumaon. A rescue operation by the police and the State Disaster Response Force is currently underway at the crash site.
While numerous passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, nine others passed away after being transported to the hospital. Three critically injured passengers have been airlifted to AIIMS for advanced treatment.
The bus, operated by the Garhwal Motor Owners' Union, is under investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences and stated that he has directed district authorities to expedite the rescue efforts. 'The tragic news of casualties in the unfortunate bus accident in Marchula is deeply saddening,' he said, urging swift relief and rescue operations by the local administration.