A tragic accident in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district has resulted in at least two fatalities and ten people missing after a vehicle carrying pilgrims plunged into the Alaknanda River on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The incident occurred near Gholthir village on the Badrinath National Highway, between Rudraprayag and Gauchar.
The vehicle involved was a tempo traveller, carrying 18 passengers. According to reports, the vehicle lost control on a sharp curve, skidded off the road, and fell into the river. The pilgrims were reportedly from Udaipur, Rajasthan, and were on their way to Badrinath as part of the Char Dham Yatra.
Following the accident, rescue teams comprising personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and district administration were immediately deployed to the scene. Rescue operations are currently underway, with divers searching the Alaknanda River for the missing individuals. Two bodies have been recovered so far, one near the accident site and another near Rudraprayag. Seven people, including three women and two children, sustained injuries and have been hospitalized.
The strong currents of the Alaknanda River and the rugged terrain are posing significant challenges to the rescue efforts. Authorities are using boats, ropes, and cranes to navigate the river and steep slopes.
The accident has raised concerns regarding road safety in Uttarakhand, particularly on the narrow and winding routes in the hilly regions. Local residents have expressed concerns about the lack of adequate warning signs, roadside barriers, and regular vehicle checks. There are increasing calls for a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident and for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Experts are emphasizing the importance of adhering to road safety protocols, particularly for passenger vehicles traveling in high-altitude areas.
