Bus Plunges into Gorge in Northern India, Killing at Least 36

A poorly maintained and overcrowded bus veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand on Monday, killing at least 36 people and injuring several others, The Associated Press reports.

The accident occurred in Almora district, with the bus carrying an estimated 60 passengers. Deepak Rawat, a senior state government official, confirmed that more than 20 people sustained injuries. Rescue and relief teams were immediately dispatched to the site, with fears that the death toll may rise further as seven passengers remain in critical condition at a nearby hospital.

Authorities initially believed the bus was carrying 42 passengers, its maximum capacity. However, the overloaded vehicle likely contributed to the accident, along with its dilapidated condition. Preliminary investigations suggest the bus skidded before tumbling down a 200-foot gorge.

Several passengers managed to escape or were thrown from the bus during the impact, alerting authorities to the accident. Two transport officials have been suspended for approving the bus, which was deemed unfit for service.

Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister has ordered authorities to airlift those seriously injured, while rescue teams continue to evacuate the remaining passengers. The state government has initiated an investigation into the accident.

India faces a critical road safety crisis, with one of the highest road death rates globally. Hundreds of thousands of people are killed or injured annually, largely attributed to reckless driving, poorly maintained roads, and aging vehicles.

In recent months, several fatal bus accidents have occurred, including a double-decker bus collision with a milk truck in Uttar Pradesh state in July, killing 18 people, and a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims plunging into a gorge in Kashmir in May, claiming 21 lives.