Tragic Bus Accident in Uttarakhand’s Almora Shocks the Nation as 36 Lives Lost

A devastating bus accident in Uttarakhand’s Almora district has left the nation in shock, with 36 passengers losing their lives after an overloaded bus plunged into a deep gorge on Monday morning. The tragic incident has drawn heartfelt condolences from leaders across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. Overloading is reported to be a significant factor in the accident, with 63 people crowded onto a bus designed for only 37 seats. Eyewitnesses also reported that the bus was in poor condition.

The bus, which belonged to Garhwal Motors Owners Union Ltd (GMOUL) with registration number UK 12 PA 0061, was carrying almost twice its capacity when it lost control on a narrow turn near Almora. Witnesses say the bus’s condition seemed questionable, which likely contributed to its inability to handle the dangerous curve. The site of the accident was a steep, treacherous slope lacking adequate road safety measures such as crash barriers. A lone warning sign advising uphill traffic priority was the only safety measure on the road.

The lack of road safety infrastructure, such as crash barriers or reinforced guardrails, has raised concerns about road safety protocols on dangerous stretches in the state. Locals noted that had there been adequate safety installations, the bus might have been stopped from falling into the gorge. Rescue operations faced considerable difficulties due to the deep ravine, delaying immediate assistance to the victims. Six of the survivors were airlifted to AIIMS trauma center, including a three-year-old girl in critical condition. Other survivors are being treated at nearby hospitals, with medical teams working tirelessly to provide critical care.

In the aftermath, locals gathered at Ramnagar Government Hospital, where some of the injured were admitted, to protest the inadequate healthcare facilities. Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat visited AIIMS to check on the patients, while Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bahuguna and MP Ajay Bhatt faced public anger during their visit. Residents demanded immediate improvements to the local hospital, urging the government to move it out of PPP (Public-Private Partnership) mode to ensure better healthcare.

The Almora tragedy has underscored a worrying trend in Uttarakhand, where road accidents remain prevalent due to poor weather, human error, deteriorating roads, and vehicle conditions. Since the state's formation, around 20,000 lives have been lost in road accidents over the past 24 years, with nearly 5,500 deaths occurring in the last five years alone. Despite efforts by police and the transport department, these numbers show little improvement, sparking calls for urgent safety reforms.

As the nation mourns the lives lost in Almora, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for enhanced road safety and healthcare infrastructure in hilly regions like Uttarakhand. Local leaders have urged swift action to prevent such tragic accidents in the future, highlighting the role of proper maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and stringent enforcement of safety regulations. The accident has stirred a renewed commitment to ensure safer roads for everyone, hoping to turn this heartbreaking event into a catalyst for positive change in the state’s road safety standards.