13 dead, two injured after van hit by debris falls down mountainside

Thirteen people died and two girls were seriously injured after the Tempo Traveller they were travelling in on their way back from Gangotri fell down the mountainside after being hit by falling debris in Uttarkashi district on Monday. The mishap has once again exposed the potential risks faced while travelling on some stretches of national highways and other roads in the State during the rains.

According to official sources, a Tempo Traveller with 15 villagers from the Bhatwadi area returning from Gangotri was suddenly hit by debris falling from the mountainside. The incident happened near Sanglai on the national highway to Gangotri at about 2 PM. After being hit by the debris, the vehicle fell about 200 metres down the mountainside.

Of the 15 persons travelling in the vehicle, 13 including 10 men and three women died and two girls were seriously injured. The two seriously injured girls were first taken to the Primary Health Centre at Bhatwadi from where they were referred to higher centre in Dehradun. After the mishap, the Uttarkashi District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police and officials of other departments also reached the site. Personnel of the State Disaster Response Force, police, fire service, Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Force and volunteers also reached the spot to rescue the injured and recover the bodies.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat who is touring Singapore, expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the accident. He telephoned the local MLA Gopal Rawat and sought information from him about the mishap. He also asked the MLA to remain in touch with the officials and ensure speedy rescue and relief work. The CM also directed officials concerned to ensure proper treatment of the injured persons and immediate financial assistance to the dependents of the deceased.