Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday reached Simdi village in Birokhal of the Dhumakot area of Pauri, where as many as 25 people were killed and 21 others were injured in a tragic bus accident.
MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt was also present with CM Dhami.
According to the details, the bus was carrying nearly 50 passengers at the time of the accident.
The casualties were confirmed by DGP Ashok Kumar, who said twenty-five people were found dead in the Pauri Garwhal bus accident that took place last night.
Uttarakhand SDRF Commandant Manikant Mishra said a total of 21 passengers were rescued from the accident spot.
Several teams of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) were present for help and rescue operations, he said.
The accident happened while the bus, carrying a wedding procession, plunged into a gorge near Simdi village in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district.
"A wedding procession had left in a bus from here, Laldhang; an accident occurred. Information is being taken from the family members. A rescue operation is still underway by Pauri Police and SDRF at the spot," said Haridwar SP City Swatantra Kumar Singh.
"Around 40-42 people were on the bus, including women and children. We are in continuous touch with the Pauri police and villagers," Singh said.
Those rescued have been shifted to the nearest hospital for treatment, he said.
President Murmu, PM Modi express grief
Upon receiving the information, President Droupadi Murmu as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Pauri Garhwal bus accident in Uttarakhand.
Taking to social media, President Murmu said, "Deeply saddened by the accident of many casualties when the bus fell into the valley in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this accident. I wish the injured a speedy recovery."
PM Modi also expressed his grief over the loss of lives in the accident and said, "The bus accident in Pauri, Uttarakhand is heart-rending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those who have been injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway. All possible assistance will be provided to those affected."
(With inputs from ANI)
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