Bhimtal Bus Accident: 4 Killed, 21 Injured as Bus Falls in 1500 Ft Deep Gorge
In a devastating incident, a roadways bus plunged into a 1,500-feet-deep gorge in the Bhimtal area of Nainital district, Uttarakhand, on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. The tragic accident left four people dead and at least 21 injured, with rescue operations continuing. The ill-fated bus was en route from Pithoragarh to Haldwani when the driver reportedly lost control, resulting in the vehicle tumbling into the deep ravine.
Immediate Rescue Efforts
Following the accident near Bohra Kun in Bhimtal, rescue operations were swiftly initiated by local authorities, police, and teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Locals also played a crucial role in assisting rescue efforts. The injured were rushed to hospitals in Haldwani, including the Sushila Tiwari Government Hospital, where a team of doctors from AIIMS Rishikesh was dispatched to aid treatment efforts.
🚨 Tragic Accident in Bhimtal: A roadways bus fell into a 1500-ft gorge, leaving 4 dead & 21 injured. Rescue ops by locals, NDRF, SDRF underway. CM Dhami announces relief of ₹10L for deceased families. Prayers for all affected. 🙏 #BhimtalAccident #BusAccident pic.twitter.com/ltPoKHc93P
— Punenow News (@itspunenow) December 25, 2024
SP Nainital, Dr. Jagdish Chandra, confirmed the severity of the situation, stating, “A roadways bus was heading from Pithoragarh to Haldwani. The driver lost control, and it fell into a deep gorge… The injured have been rescued with the help of locals. 21 people have been injured and 4 people have died.”
#WATCH | Bhimtal bus accident | SP Nainital, Dr Jagdish Chandra says, "A roadways bus was heading from Pithoragarh to Haldwani. The driver lost control of the bus and it fell into a deep gorge…The injured have been rescued with the help of locals. 21 people have been injured… pic.twitter.com/2IQccmBjU6
— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2024
Relief Measures Announced
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, terming it “heart-rending.” The Chief Minister directed the local administration to prioritize relief and rescue operations. He also announced ex-gratia payments to support the victims and their families.
- Relief measures include:
- ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased.
- ₹3 lakh for individuals with serious injuries.
- ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 for those with minor injuries.
Dehradun | Bhimtal bus accident | Uttarakhand government announces a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of deceased, Rs 3 lakh for the families of seriously injured and Rs 15-25 thousand for the families of normally injured persons. pic.twitter.com/4YulRuWNI0
— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2024
In a heartfelt message, CM Dhami stated, “I pray to Baba Kedar for the safety of all the travelers and for the speedy recovery of the injured.” His office also confirmed ongoing efforts to provide necessary assistance to the affected families.
भीमताल के निकट दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण बस दुर्घटना में 4 लोगों की मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत हृदय विदारक है। ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगतों की आत्मा को श्रीचरणों में स्थान एवं शोक संतप्त परिवारों को इस अपार दुःख को सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें।
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) December 25, 2024
गंभीर रूप से घायल लोगों का सुशीला तिवारी…
Eyewitness Accounts and Official Statements
Officials reported that the bus was carrying approximately 20 to 25 passengers at the time of the accident. According to SSP Nainital Prahlad Meena, the incident was reported to the District Control Room, prompting SDRF teams to be dispatched from Nainital and Khairna for immediate action.
#WATCH | Uttarakhand | A team of SDRF team is carrying out a rescue operation at the Bhimtal bus accident site along with local police and the Fire Department pic.twitter.com/cqvFvFjzNy
— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2024
National Outpouring of Sympathy
The news of the accident has drawn widespread sympathy and calls for enhanced safety measures on the hilly roads of Uttarakhand. The state’s challenging terrain and narrow, winding roads often make such accidents perilously common.
Conclusion
As rescue operations continue and authorities investigate the cause of the crash, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for stringent road safety measures, especially in high-risk areas like Uttarakhand’s mountainous regions. The affected families remain in the thoughts of many, with prayers for the recovery of the injured and condolences for the lives lost.
