At Least 36 Killed in Almora Bus Accident: A Grim Reminder of India’s Road Safety Challenges
At Least 36 Killed in Almora Bus Accident
Almora, Uttarakhand — A tragic bus accident in Uttarakhand’s Almora district on Monday morning has claimed the lives of at least 36 people, with many others critically injured. The accident occurred around 8:30 AM near Marchula, when a bus operated by the Garhwal Motor Owners Union Ltd (GMOU) plunged into a deep 200-metre gorge. The bus was en route from Kinath in the Nainidanda area of Pauri Garhwal district to Ramnagar in Nainital, carrying an estimated 55 passengers, well above its official seating capacity of 42.
Overcrowding Likely a Factor
The overcrowding on the bus, with reports indicating passengers were standing due to lack of seats, is believed to have played a major role in the accident’s severity. Initial reports suggested the death toll varied, with some estimates reaching as high as 37, while others had initially suggested 28 fatalities. The discrepancy in numbers likely results from the ongoing and challenging rescue efforts at the remote site, and the seriously injured succumbing to their injuries.
Swift Rescue Efforts in Treacherous Terrain
Local residents were the first to reach the site, initiating rescue efforts before official teams could arrive. Multiple rescue teams, including police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were quickly dispatched to the scene. The rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the steep and rocky terrain, which hindered access to the gorge. Four teams from the SDRF, aided by air ambulances, were mobilised to expedite evacuation and ensure the injured received medical attention.
Government Responds with Aid and Accountability Measures
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami responded to the tragedy by announcing compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and ₹1 lakh for those injured. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. In a decisive move, the Chief Minister also ordered the suspension of Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTO) in Pauri and Almora districts, citing the need for accountability and stricter oversight in passenger safety regulations.
Magisterial Inquiry into the Cause of the Accident
While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, preliminary insights suggest that the combination of challenging hill terrain and the overcrowded condition of the bus may have contributed to the driver losing control. Chief Minister Dhami has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident to further examine any regulatory lapses or safety oversights that could have contributed to the accident.
Condolence Messages from National Leaders
President Droupadi Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her heartfelt sorrow over the tragic incident, posting a message on X (formerly Twitter) in Hindi. She wrote:
“The news of the death of many people, including women and children, in a road accident in Almora, Uttarakhand, is heart-rending. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences to the victims' families and announced financial assistance. He expressed his sympathies for those who lost loved ones in the accident and wished the injured a swift recovery. Additionally, Modi announced an ex-gratia payment from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund:
₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased
₹50,000 for each injured person
The Prime Minister also confirmed that the local administration is making all possible efforts to aid in the relief and rescue operations.
These condolences from the nation’s top leaders underscore the gravity of the tragedy and the widespread attention it has garnered. The financial assistance from the Prime Minister comes in addition to the compensation declared by the state government, underscoring the nation’s support for the affected families and the commitment to aid in their recovery.
A Tragic Reminder
The Almora bus accident has cast a dark shadow over Uttarakhand and beyond, resonating nationwide as a call for urgent road safety reforms. Leaders, safety advocates, and citizens alike are pushing for a comprehensive reassessment of India's road safety standards, particularly in rural and hilly regions that are prone to accidents yet often overlooked in policy discussions. The lack of consistent safety enforcement, coupled with aging infrastructure and limited oversight, has left countless travellers vulnerable to tragic outcomes like this one.
Nationwide Call for Improved Road Safety
This tragedy underscores the critical need for systematic improvements across India’s challenging road networks. The overcrowding, unsafe driving practices, and infrastructure gaps that contributed to this incident reflect broader, persistent safety issues across the country. There is now a pressing need for government and regional authorities to enforce passenger limits, improve road infrastructure, mandate stricter vehicle inspections, and educate the public on safe driving. Transformative, sustained action is essential to break the cycle of preventable accidents, making Indian roads safer for all.