Uttarakhand bus accident claims 17 lives

Dehra Dun, Jul 18 (UNI) At least 17 people were killed and 19 injured when huge rocks, triggered by a landslide, fell on a state transport bus near Champavat district of Uttarakhand last evening.

All the 36 passengers hailed from Pithoragarh district of the state and were on their way to Delhi, Champavat District Collector Haritas Gulshan told UNI today.

The accident happened when a shower of huge rocks fell on the Delhi-bound bus near Umro Bedh. The injured were immediately pulled out and taken to a nearby hospital, Mr Gulshan said.

This morning, rescue officials recovered the bodies of the deceased. The condition of the injured was stated to be serious.

Chief Minister B C Khanduri offered heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the accident.

Khanduri also announced compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the families of the deceased. Those seriously injured and with minor injuries would be given Rs 50,000 and Rs 35,000 respectively, a statement from his office said.

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