12 dead as tempo traveller falls into gorge in Rudraprayag district
A tourist vehicle from Noida fell into the Alaknanda river on the Badrinath road. According to agency reports, 12 people have been reported dead so far, although the administration is not giving the exact number of those who died.
The Tempo Traveller had left from Delhi at night with 26 passengers. This Tempo Traveller fell into the Alaknanda river near Raitoli on the Badrinath highway, five kilometres ahead of Rudraprayag city.
The reason for the accident is said to be the driver falling asleep. On Friday night, the Tempo Traveller left for Chopta Tungnath from Delhi with 26 passengers. On Saturday morning around 11:20 am, the Tempo Traveller fell 500 feet down into the Alaknanda near Raitoli in Rudraprayag district.
As soon as the vehicle fell into the river, the labourers working on the railway line nearby also rushed towards the spot for rescue. 10 people had died on the spot. With the help of ambulance, 16 injured were sent to the hospital for treatment. Where 2 people died during treatment. While 7 seriously injured were sent to Rishikesh AIIMS with the help of different helicopters after first aid.
According to eyewitnesses, the Tempo Traveller was moving at a high speed and went out of control and broke the parapet built on the side of the road towards the river and fell into the river 500 meters down the ravine.
The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. The injured have been sent to the nearest medical centre for treatment. The District Magistrate has been ordered to investigate the incident.
