Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, December 25, 2024: A roadways bus fell into a 100-meter deep gorge in the Bhimtal area of Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, leaving four dead and 21 others injured on Wednesday.
The accident occurred when the bus, traveling from Pithoragarh to Haldwani, skidded off the road, losing control and plummeting into the ravine.
“The bus was heading from Pithoragarh to Haldwani when the driver lost control, and the vehicle crashed into a deep gorge. Sadly, four passengers lost their lives, and 21 were injured,” Dr. Jagdish Chandra, the Superintendent of Police in Nainital, confirmed to ANI.
Emergency operations were swiftly launched with help from local residents and the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), who reached the site to rescue the victims. “Upon receiving the report on December 25, 2024, rescue teams from Nainital and Khairna immediately proceeded to the accident site,” said SSP Prahlad Meena.
The bus was reportedly carrying around 20-25 passengers at the time of the crash. Video footage from the scene showed SDRF personnel rescuing the injured from the site of the crash.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered his condolences via social media, describing the incident as “heart-rending” and confirming that those seriously hurt were being treated at the Sushila Tiwari Government Hospital in Haldwani.
He added, “A team of doctors from AIIMS Rishikesh has been dispatched to assist in their treatment, and I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured.”
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, while emergency services continue to provide assistance to the victims.
