Uttarakhand: 14 dead, 6 critical after bus skids off Rishikesh Gangotri Highway

At least 14 people died and 18 others injured after the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation bus they were in, skidded off Rishikesh Gangotri Highway on Thursday. There were 25 people on the bus.

Sanjay Gunjyal, IG (SDRF), said, "Six persons are critical and admitted to AIIMS hospital in Rishikesh. Local police, admn, SDRF teams are present at spot. All the injured have been rescued. Operations to recover bodies are underway."

The bus fells into a 250 metre deep gorge near Suryadhar. Local administration and police have reached the spot.

Police teams, fire department from Tehri and Disaster Response Team from Chamba have reached the spot. District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate are also present.

The State government has directed helicopters be made available to bring the injured to AIIMS.

The next kin of the deceased will be provided compensation of Rs 2 Lakh each and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.

A Magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the matter.