3 Dead, 9 Missing as Bus Falls in Alaknanda

At least three people were killed and nine others were missing in a road accident in Rudraprayag on Thursday, officials said, adding that nine others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.

- Neeraj Santoshi and Ajay Ramola

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A 31-seater bus veered off the highway in Gholtir area and plunged into the Alaknanda river at around 7.50am. The bus carrying 19 pilgrims and driver was en route from Rudraprayag to Badrinath, officials said.

At least three people died in the incident and nine others were missing, with officials fearing that the missing are dead.

"Three people have been confirmed dead, including Vishal Soni (42) from Rajgarh in Madhya Pradesh, Dreamy (17) from Surat in Gujarat, Gauri Soni (41) from Rajgarh in Madhya Pradesh," Rudraprayag superintendent of police (SP) Akshay Prahlad Konde said.

State disaster response force (SDRF) media in-charge Vineet Devrani said that the eight people who sustained injuries were thrown off the bus before it submerged in the river.

"Rescue teams from the police, fire department, SDRF, and local residents reached the site promptly and began rescue operations," he said. "The injured who were flung out were brought up to the road and taken to the district hospital in Rudraprayag."

Rudraprayag chief medical officer Dr Ram Prakash said the four of the injured sustained critical injuries and have been referred to AIIMS Rishikesh.