A passenger bus plunged into the Alaknanda River in the Gholtir area of Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district on Thursday morning, resulting in one confirmed death and multiple injuries. The incident occurred around 8 AM on June 26, 2025, as the bus was en route to Badrinath.
According to initial reports, the bus, carrying 18 passengers, veered out of control on the Badrinath Highway before plunging into the Alaknanda River. IG Nilesh Anand Bharane told news agency ANI that the accident took place in the Gholthir area of Rudraprayag district.
Rescue operations were immediately launched, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local administration swiftly arriving at the scene. Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that at least seven people have been rescued from the river. However, concerns remain for those still missing, as the Alaknanda River is currently overflowing due to heavy rains in the state, complicating rescue efforts. NDTV reported that 10 people are still missing.
The injured were promptly taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest the bus lost control, leading to the tragic incident.
Uttarakhand, with its mountainous terrain and challenging road conditions, has a history of similar accidents. In January 2025, six people died and 22 others were injured when a bus fell into a gorge in the Pauri Garhwal district. In November 2024, a devastating bus accident in Almora claimed the lives of 38 people and injured 25. These incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter safety regulations, improved infrastructure, and enhanced driver training to prevent such tragedies in the future.
