As many as 10 people were killed and 13 persons suffered injuries after a van slipped into a gorge near Badrinath highway in Rudraprayag on Saturday. According to officials, rescue operations are underway and the health condition of a few of them rescued is critical.
Police and State Disaster Rescue Force personnel are involved in rescue operations. Rudraprayag SP Vishakha Ashok Bhadanesaid, “We have received information that there were 23 people in the Tempo Traveller. Around 15 injured people have been sent to hospital for treatment. Rescue operation is underway.”
Rudraprayag District Magistrate said, “A tempo traveller crashed after falling into a ditch from the highway near Rantoli in Rudraprayag. Rescue work is being carried out jointly by the district administration, police, SDRF, fire service, district disaster management, water police and local people.”
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami condoled the incident and said authorities have been advised to ensure better treatment for the injured. “Very sad news was received about a tempo traveller accident in Rudraprayag district. The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. The injured have been sent to the nearest medical centre for treatment.” Dhami added that the district magistrate has been ordered to investigate the incident.
Union Minister Amit Shah also condoled the incident and tweeted, “My condolences are with the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue work and all possible help is being provided to the injured.”
According to reports, seven of the injured persons have been shifted to AIIMS Rishikesh for treatment.
