19 killed in bus accident in Uttarakhand

At least 19 people have been killed and 11 injured when a bus in which they were travelling fell into a ditch in Uttarakhand.

At least 19 people were killed and 11 injured when a bus in which they were travelling fell into a ditch at Chordhuroli area in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand on Wednesday morning.

HT Image

While 14 people were killed on the spot, the rest died on their way to hospitals, DIG Kumoan S Negi told PTI.

Earlier, police had said that 21 were killed and nine injured in the mishap.

The bus, which was carrying a total of 30 passengers, was going from Pithoragarh to Bageshwar when the accident took place.

Negi said police is trying to investigate whether there was any human error or mechanical fault that led to the accident.

Eyewitnesses said the bus rolled down 300 ft deep ditch and the rescuers had to struggle in taking the injured to hospitals.

Official sources said four to six passengers died as they could not get medical aid in time.

Senior administrative and police officials rushed to the spot and were supervising the rescue operation.

Chief Minister B C Khanduri, who is touring Pithoragarh, expressed his grief over the accident and asked the administration to provide best medical facilities to the injured.