At least 24 pilgrims killed as bus plunges into gorge in Uttarakhand; PM Narendra Modi announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh

Dehradun: In an unfortunate incident, at least 24 persons were killed when their bus plunged into the Bhagirathi river near Nalupani here while returning from the Gangotri shrine on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed grief over the tragic incident and expressed solidarity with the kin of the deceased.

“My prayers & solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi. May the injured recover soon,” PM Modi tweeted.

The Prime Minister announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs for for the next kin of those killed in the accident.

“Ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of those killed in the accident in Uttarkashi has been announced by PM,” the PM announced.

The accident occurred at around 6 pm on Tuesdya, when the pilgrims, mostly belonging to Madhya Pradesh, were returning to Rishikesh from the Gangotri when the vehicle fell into the 100-foot deep gorge after the driver lost control.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.

Rescue operations are being carried out with the help of ITBP, SDRF and police personnel. With the hill being very steep, rescue was further delayed and went on till the morning.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has condoled the loss of lives in the mishap and has announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those injured.