Uttarakhand: Bus Carrying Pilgrims from Gujarat Overturns Near Tehri, 3 Seriously Injured

A serious road accident took place on the New Tehri-Ghansali motor road in Uttarakhand today, sending shockwaves through the region. A private bus, bearing registration number UK-08PA-8883, carrying 35 passengers from Gujarat, overturned just 1.5 kilometers from Tipri, leaving three people seriously injured and at least 15 with minor injuries.

According to initial reports, the bus was traveling from Uttarkashi towards Kedarnath, a key route for pilgrims visiting the sacred shrine, when it went out of control on a steep turn and overturned on the hilly road. The accident caused panic among the occupants, most of whom were devotees from Gujarat undertaking the Char Dham Yatra.

Among the seriously injured are a man, a woman, and a child, who were promptly transported to PHC Nandgaon via the 108 emergency ambulance service. The remaining injured passengers, who suffered bruises and minor trauma, were also treated at the local health facility.

Upon receiving information from local residents who witnessed the accident, the police and administrative authorities reached the spot swiftly to begin rescue operations and manage the crowd. Immediate relief and medical assistance were provided, preventing the situation from worsening.

While the exact cause of the accident is yet to be officially confirmed, preliminary reports suggest that speed and a sharp curve on the narrow hillside road may have led to the bus losing balance.

The incident comes amid the ongoing Char Dham pilgrimage season, during which thousands of devotees travel daily through the treacherous hill roads of Uttarakhand. Authorities have again emphasized the importance of strict vehicle inspections, experienced drivers, and speed regulation—especially on difficult stretches like Tehri-Ghansali.

Local officials have assured that all necessary arrangements are being made to ensure the safe return of the pilgrims. Meanwhile, inquiries into the mechanical condition of the bus and the driver's background are underway to determine accountability.

This accident serves as a grim reminder of the need for heightened vigilance, better infrastructure, and stronger safety norms, particularly along pilgrimage routes prone to frequent traffic and tough terrain