Dehradun: Following a tragic bus accident in Bhimtal, Kumaon, which claimed the lives of five individuals, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced plans for intensive inspections of driving licenses and vehicle documents for those traveling from other states. He has tasked Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat with overseeing traffic management and conducting thorough checks in hilly regions to reduce road accidents.
The bus accident resulted in at least 21 injuries, with two individuals suffering serious wounds and being airlifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh. During a visit to Haldwani, CM Dhami met with the injured at Dr. Sushila Tiwari Hospital and directed the hospital staff to ensure they receive quality care.
On December 25, he announced a relief package of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, with contributions of Rs 5 lakh from the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, Rs 2 lakh from the Road Safety Fund, and Rs 3 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund. Additionally, Rs 3 lakh will be allocated for those seriously injured, while those with minor injuries will receive between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000.
In a statement, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the local community for their support in aiding the police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) during the rescue efforts. He praised the collective effort of citizens, which played a crucial role in saving many lives.
The bus, which was traveling in Bhimtal, Nainital, fell into a 100-meter-deep gorge on Wednesday after the driver reportedly lost control, resulting in four fatalities and numerous injuries, as confirmed by SP Nainital, Jagdish Chandra.