Nine dead, 14 hurt in Chamoli mishap

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 7

Nine passengers were killed and 14 others injured, some of them seriously, when a Max utility vehicle they were travelling in fell into a deep gorge in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand today.

Four passengers died on the spot, while three died while being shifted to hospital. Two other injured died in hospital, taking the death toll to nine.

According to information available, the ill-fated Max utility vehicle was going to Pokhri when it fell into the 100-feet gorge at the Hopta bend in Chamoli district this afternoon. Local villagers immediately rushed to rescue the passengers and informed the police about the accident.

A police team equipped with the latest mountaineering gear reached the accident site. They rescued and evacuated the injured to the nearest government hospital at Pokhri.

The deceased have been identified as Sandeep Singh (19), Rajan Singh (14), Sajjan Singh (16), Pavitra Devi (60), Guddi Devi (38), Bharti Devi (31), Neelam (18), Anoop Singh (19) and Priya (9).

All deceased were native of Nauli village in Chamoli district. They were going to attend the industrial development mela at Pokhri. Police sources said the driver lost control over the wheel and the vehicle carrying 23 passengers fell into the gorge.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Harish Rawat has expressed deep grief over the deaths in the accident. He has prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength for the bereaved families. Rawat has ordered district administration officials to ensure the best available medical treatment to the injured. The district administration has asked the government for chopper service to airlift seriously injured victims to a better hospital.