DILAPIDATED AND OVERLOADED: 36 killed in India bus crash

International

A DEVASTATING bus accident in northern India claimed the lives of at least 36 people and left several others injured, officials confirmed on Monday.

The tragic incident occurred in Almora district, located in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand, when a poorly maintained and overcrowded bus veered off the road and plunged into a 60-meter (200-foot) deep ravine.

The bus, which was carrying around 60 people—far exceeding its 42-passenger capacity—was traveling through a treacherous, hilly area when the accident took place.

Deepak Rawat, a senior state government official, reported that more than 20 passengers sustained injuries, with several in critical condition.

Rescue teams were quickly dispatched to the site, and local authorities feared the death toll could rise further as some of the survivors were severely injured.

The state's chief minister assured the public that authorities were working to evacuate the injured and airlift those in critical condition to nearby hospitals.

An investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched.

Preliminary reports suggest that the dilapidated condition of the bus contributed to the crash, with the vehicle skidding before it tumbled down the steep ravine.

In the aftermath of the incident, two transport officials were suspended for approving the use of the unsafe bus.

This tragic incident follows several other fatal bus accidents in recent months, including a deadly crash in Uttar Pradesh in July and a similar accident in Kashmir in May, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing India’s transportation safety.(CMM)