Pilgrim Bus Overturns Near Nalupani on Gangotri Highway 21 Injured

DAINIK NATION BUREAU/UTTARKASHI

A pilgrim bus overturn near hairpin bend at Nalupani on the Gangotri National Highway today. The bus was en route to Gangotri after the pilgrims had paid their visit to Yamunotri. The accident happened around 10 am.

The vehicle (UK 13PA-0085), carrying 41 passengers of Madhya Pradesh, lost control and overturned, leading to 21 passengers sustaining minor injuries. After receiving information about the accident Dharasu police station and the highway patrol reached to the spot immediately. The injured were taken to nearby PHC Dunda via 108 ambulance services and police vehicles. Later they were referred to the District Hospital in Uttarkashi after receiving first aid.

In a concerning development, the bus driver and conductor fled the scene following the accident. The local police have launched a search operation to locate and apprehend them.

According to preliminary statements from the passengers, the bus was moving at a dangerously high and uncontrolled speed, which may have led to the vehicle overturning at the sharp turn.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident, and further action will be taken once the statements of the injured and eyewitnesses are fully recorded. The incident raises serious concerns about reckless driving during the Char Dham Yatra season, when thousands of pilgrims travel through the narrow and often treacherous mountain roads of Uttarakhand.

The district administration has once again urged all tour operators and drivers to adhere strictly to speed regulations and road safety protocols, especially on the hilly terrain of the Yamunotri-Gangotri circuit.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “The news of the bus accident near Dharasu Nalupani is extremely saddening. I have directed the district administration to ensure that the best medical care is provided to the injured. Instructions have been given to shift the critically injured to higher medical centers without delay.”

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the prompt response by the rescue teams and urged them to continue the operations with utmost urgency. “I pray to God for the speedy recovery of all the injured passengers,” he added.tenance of mountain highways.