Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | June 26, 2025 —
A pilgrimage turned tragic on Thursday morning when a tempo traveller carrying 20 passengers plunged into a deep gorge and the Alaknanda River near Gholtir village in Rudraprayag district. The accident occurred around 7:30 AM on the Badrinath National Highway as the vehicle was en route to the sacred Badrinath Dham.
The vehicle, reportedly carrying pilgrims from Udaipur, Rajasthan, was part of a Char Dham Yatra group. According to officials, the tempo traveller veered off the road and rolled nearly 60 meters down a steep slope before crashing into the river. The terrain in this region is known for its sharp bends and slippery surfaces, particularly during the pre-monsoon period when river levels rise and roads become treacherous.
As of now, at least two people have been confirmed dead. One body was recovered from the accident site, while the second was found further downstream near Rudraprayag. Eight people, including three women and two children, sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. The condition of some of the injured remains critical.
Rescue teams launched immediate operations with the help of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, revenue officials, and volunteers from the Red Cross Society. Divers and local villagers also joined the search for the ten individuals still reported missing. The swift current of the Alaknanda River, however, continues to pose serious challenges for rescue operations.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver may have lost control of the vehicle on a sharp bend, a common hazard in the mountainous stretches of the highway. Officials have noted that the absence of adequate safety barriers along the road may have contributed to the severity of the incident.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences to the affected families and said all possible resources were being deployed for rescue and relief. A helpline number has been activated for families seeking information about their loved ones.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident and assess whether safety protocols and vehicle fitness standards were adequately followed.
Search and rescue operations continue as authorities work tirelessly to locate the missing and provide aid to the survivors.
