Dehra Dun, October 14
Twentyfive persons were killed and 24 injured in two separate road accidents in Uttarakhand today. While 20 persons lost their lives after a bus fell into a gorge in Tehri district, five others were killed when a jeep met with an accident near Kolhu Khet on the
Mussorrie-Dehra Dun highway.
According to state government officials, a Tehri Garhwal Motor Operator Union (TGMOU) Limited bus going from Rishikesh to New Tehri met with an accident after being hit by a boulder, near Tachila, Chamba, today. The bus fell into a gorge, killing 20 passengers, including the bus driver on the spot while 17 other passengers sustained injuries.
Immediately after getting the information, senior police officials led by Tehri SP Mohan Singh rushed to the spot and began rescue operations. The injured have been admitted to Narendragarh Hospital. “The bus driver lost his balance after the boulder hit the bus and the vehicle fell into a gorge”, Mohan Singh said.
Meanwhile, in another road incident, a Mahindra Jeep coming from Mussoorie to Dehradun too fell into a gorge in the early hours today. The incident, which occurred near Kolhu Khet, took the lives of five persons, including the jeep driver. Five other passengers were critically injured, whereas, two sustained minor injuries. The injured have been admitted to Doon Hospital,
Dehra Dun.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Maj-Gen (retired) B.C. Khanduri, who is currently in New Delhi, ordered a magisterial probe into both incidents. The Chief Minister announced a financial assistance of Rs 50,000 each for the families of the deceased. Besides, Khanduri announced grant of Rs 25,000 and Rs 5,000 for those who sustained serious and minor injuries, respectively. He also spoke to the district administration officials and directed authorities to provide best possible medical facilities to the victims.
