President, PM condole deaths in Uttarakhand bus accident

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday conveyed their condolences to the families of those killed in the Uttarakhand bus accident.

At least 48 people were killed and 10 others injured after a bus fell down in a 200-feet deep gorge in Dhumakot area of Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district on Sunday.

“Very sad to learn about the tragic bus accident in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Rescue efforts are on and local authorities are doing their utmost to help. My condolences to the bereaved facilities and best wishes to those injured,” Kovind said on Twitter.

The prime minister tweeted, “Extremely saddened by the bus accident in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance at the accident site”.

BJP chief Amit Shah also conveyed his condolence and said “Pained to know about the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. My deepest condolences with the bereaved families and I pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured. Have also spoken to the local BJP unit to join the rescue operation.”

Pauri Superintendent of Police Jagat Ram Joshi said rescue operations were carried out by the police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, adding all the bodies have been recovered from the mangled remains of the bus.

Uttarakhand Governor K K Paul and Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat have also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.

The chief minister has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident, besides announcing a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured, his office said.  

(With inputs from PTI)