14 killed, 27 feared drowned in separate mishaps in Uttarakhand

New Delhi, July 3 (ANI): In two separate incidents in Uttarakhad on Friday, at least 14 people were killed, while 27 kanwarias on Chardham Yatra were feared drowned.

In the first major accident that took place in the morning, three persons were killed and 27 others feared drowned when a private bus fell into Bhagirathi river near Bhatwari area of Uttarkashi district.

Thirteen of the kanwarias were injured in the mishap, of which exact cause is not known.

Most of the passengers were kanwarias going to Gangotri for taking holy water.

"Three bodies were fished out from the swollen river. Rescue operation is underway," Uttarkashi SP, Mukhtar Mohsin, said.

According to top police officials, the hope of any survivor in Bhagirathi was bleak as its currents were turbulent due to heavy rains in the catchment area during the past three days.

In a separate accident, 11 people were killed and 29 others injured when a bus fell into a gorge at Saknidhar near Devprayag area in Tehri district.

While four people died on the spot, seven others were declared brought dead in the Rishikesh Hospital where the injured were admitted.

Governor B L Joshi expressed condolence to the families of the dead and wished speedy recovery to the injured, a release from the Rajbhavan said.

Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank also expressed grief over the accidents and asked the district magistrates of Uttarkashi and Tehri to hold magisterial inquiry into the mishaps.

He announced an ex-gratia of 50,000 rupees to the next of kin of the deceased, 20,000 rupees to those seriously injured and 5,000 rupees to those with minor injuries. (ANI)