Tragic Rudraprayag Bus Accident Leaves Several Injured, Victims Airlifted to Rishikesh AIIMS

Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand — In a devastating incident that has shocked the entire nation, a passenger bus met with a serious accident in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, leaving multiple passengers critically injured and several feared missing. The Rudraprayag bus accident occurred on a winding mountainous stretch, notorious for its narrow lanes and sharp turns, bringing the fragility of travel in hilly terrains back into the spotlight.

The accident site, located in a treacherous zone along the Char Dham Yatra route, witnessed swift action from local authorities and disaster response teams, who began a massive search and rescue operation shortly after the mishap.

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Injured Passengers Airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh for Emergency Care

Due to the severity of the injuries sustained by several passengers, authorities made the urgent decision to airlift the critically injured to AIIMS Rishikesh, a premier medical institution in the region. The Indian Air Force and disaster relief teams coordinated efficiently to ensure prompt evacuation.

Doctors at AIIMS Rishikesh have confirmed that most of the victims are currently under intensive care, with at least five in a critical condition. The Rudraprayag bus accident victims are receiving continuous monitoring, and efforts are being made to contact their families.

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Search and Rescue Operations Continue Amid Challenging Terrain

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local police and forest personnel, are continuing search operations to locate any missing individuals who may have been thrown into the ravine or trapped under the vehicle debris.

So far, rescue workers have recovered several passengers and are combing the nearby forested and riverine areas using sniffer dogs, drones, and specialized mountain gear. Despite fading daylight and harsh terrain, the determination of the responders remains strong.

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Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Harrowing Details

Eyewitnesses describe the moment of the Rudraprayag bus accident as one filled with chaos and panic. Some locals who arrived early at the scene recounted how the bus appeared to lose control while negotiating a sharp bend, eventually plunging down a steep slope.

Survivors reported that the driver tried hard to regain control of the vehicle but was unable to do so. The bus reportedly had more than 30 passengers on board, many of whom were pilgrims traveling toward Kedarnath.

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Government Response and CM Dhami’s Statement

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep grief over the tragic Rudraprayag bus accident and assured all possible assistance to the victims and their families. In a statement, he said:

“We stand in solidarity with the victims of the Rudraprayag tragedy. All efforts are being made to rescue and provide timely treatment to the injured. I have directed officials to monitor the situation round the clock.”

A compensation package is expected to be announced shortly for the families of the deceased and injured.

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Rising Concerns Over Road Safety in Hilly Regions

This Rudraprayag bus accident is not an isolated event. It raises larger questions about the safety of transport in mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, particularly during the Char Dham Yatra season when traffic sees a sharp spike. Poor road infrastructure, overloading, and mechanical failures continue to endanger lives.

Experts are calling for immediate assessment of vulnerable road stretches and stricter enforcement of safety measures, including mandatory technical checks for vehicles plying in these zones.

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Locals and Volunteers Step Up in Support

Amid the tragedy, the unity and resilience of the local community have shone through. Residents of nearby villages assisted in pulling out the injured, providing water, first aid, and emotional support to victims before professional help arrived.

Volunteers from several social and spiritual organizations have also joined hands with rescue teams, offering food and temporary shelters for distressed families waiting outside hospitals.

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Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Road Safety in Uttarakhand

The Rudraprayag bus accident stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved infrastructure, rigorous safety protocols, and driver training programs in mountainous regions of India. As rescue operations continue and survivors fight for their lives, the nation must not only mourn this loss but also resolve to take preventive action to avoid such tragedies in the future.