In Almora, Uttarakhand, a tragic bus accident took 36 lives after a bus carrying passengers from Dhumakot to Ramnagar veered off a mountain road and plunged 150 meters into a gorge. The Uttarakhand Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the bus driver, conductor, and owner, though the driver, Dinesh Singh, was later identified as one of the deceased. The FIR includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving, negligence causing death, and criminal conspiracy.
The overcrowded bus was reportedly carrying 63 passengers despite its capacity of 42 seats. Survivors indicated that the driver, who was receiving personal calls during the trip, showed unusual behavior. Some even recalled him asking passengers if they wanted to get off before the accident. Investigators are exploring multiple causes, including possible issues with the bus.
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Almora District Magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey said it is challenging to pinpoint one specific cause for the accident, but a magisterial inquiry will provide clarity. Investigators recovered a broken rod from the bus, which may have failed before the crash. The road was reportedly wide and well-maintained at the accident site, adding complexity to the investigation.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the probe and suspended two assistant regional transport officers for alleged negligence. He also pledged support for a young survivor who lost her parents in the accident, ensuring she receives necessary care and education. The bus, owned by Garhwal Motor Owner’s Union Limited, had a valid fitness certificate and permit until 2025. Harsh Vardhan Rawat, a representative from the bus operator, suggested the accident occurred because a spring in the rod broke, tilting the vehicle. However, he denied that overcrowding contributed to the crash.
This accident has raised questions about safety practices and the need for strict oversight to prevent future tragedies on Uttarakhand’s hilly roads.
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