At least three people were killed, and more than 15 were injured after a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus lost control and plunged into a ditch near Kwanu, Dehradu on Tuesday morning.
The bus was travelling from Chaupal-Nerwa to Paonta Sahib via the Minas-Kwanu-Haripur route and had departed from the Chaupal depot at around 6.30 am. The accident occurred at approximately 10 am, with over 30 passengers reportedly on board.
ALSO READ: Bihar Police Radio Wing To Recruit 462 ASIs; Applications Open From Feb 4
According to preliminary information, the bus was giving way to a truck near Sudoi Khad when a portion of the road embankment caved in, causing the vehicle to skid, overturn several times and fall into the ditch.
Residents rushed to the spot and assisted in initial rescue efforts. Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams reached the scene soon after and carried out relief and rescue operations.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the incident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. In a social media post, he said he was deeply saddened by the news of the HRTC bus accident on the Kwanu-Minas road in the Kalsi area of Dehradun.
ALSO READ: Mumbai BMC Mayor Election To Be Held On February 11; Nominations To Begin From February 6
Following the accident, the district administration swung into action. The District Magistrate issued necessary instructions to officials, while all nearby hospitals were put on high alert. Authorities said that seriously injured passengers may be airlifted to higher medical centres if required.