(Rudraprayag, NTI): On a fateful Saturday, June 15th, tragedy struck Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district as a tempo traveler carrying 26 passengers met with a devastating accident. The vehicle, en route to Chopta from Delhi, veered off the mountainous Badrinath Highway near Raitoli, plunging into the river below. The impact of the crash resulted in the immediate death of 10 passengers, while two others tragically succumbed to their injuries during treatment, raising the death toll to a somber 12.
In the aftermath of the accident, three local laborers working on a nearby railway line demonstrated immense bravery by leaping into the turbulent river to rescue the survivors. Their heroic efforts led to the successful rescue of several passengers. However, one of the laborers was tragically swept away by the powerful currents and remains missing. Search and rescue teams are tirelessly working to locate him.
Preliminary investigations point to driver fatigue and excessive speed as potential contributing factors to the accident. The injured passengers, five of whom are in critical condition, are currently receiving medical attention at AIIMS Rishikesh and the district hospital in Rudraprayag.
The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has expressed his condolences for the victims and has ordered a thorough investigation into the accident. The authorities are committed to determining the exact cause of the tragedy and taking necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance while traveling through challenging terrains. It also highlights the selfless courage and compassion displayed by ordinary individuals in the face of adversity. As the community mourns the loss of lives, it also celebrates the heroic actions of those who risked their own safety to help others in need.
