26 June 2025 : At least one person has died after a tempo traveller fell into the Alaknanda River on Thursday. As per initial reports, around seven people have been injured and several remain missing after the accident.
“One person has died and seven people injured after an 18-seater fell into the Alaknanda river in Gholthir of Rudraprayag district. Teams of SDRF, police and administration are present on the spot for the rescue operation,” Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey told news agency ANI.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that relief and rescue efforts are being carried out on a war footing by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies. He assured the public that he is in constant touch with the local administration to monitor the situation closely.
“The news of a tempo traveller falling into a river in Rudraprayag district is deeply tragic. Relief and rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing by SDRF and other rescue teams. I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter. I pray to God for everyone’s safety,” Dhami said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Uttarakhand accident: What happened
As per IG Nilesh Anand Bharane from the Uttarakhand police, the vehicle went “out of control” and fell into the river near the Gholthir area of Rudraprayag district.
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and district administration have reached the site and launched rescue operations.
Last week, a similar incident took place after a private bus fell into a gorge in Mandi.
As per reports, at least one person was killed and 18 others were left injured due to the incident. PTI reported that the bus was heading to Mandi from Jahu at the time of the accident.
As per preliminary reports, the bus driver lost control after hitting a rough patch and feel 200 feet down into a gorge.
Summary: An 18-seater bus plunged into the Alaknanda River in Rudraprayag, killing one. Rescue teams are searching for over 10 missing passengers.