36 People killed In Bus Accident In India's Uttarakhand State

NEW DELHI, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- At least 36 people were killed in a bus accident in India's Uttarakhand state on Monday.

The vehicle fell into a deep gorge in the Almora district's Marchula area, about 250 kilometres from the state capital Dehradun.

The bus, travelling from Garhwal to Kumaon in the mountainous region, was carrying more passengers than its capacity of 45 people, according to local media reports.

Many injured passengers were admitted to various hospitals for treatment.

Initial rescue work was carried out by locals before disaster agency personnel reached the accident site.

"I extend my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the unfortunate road accident in Almora, Uttarakhand. I am also praying for the speedy recovery of all the injured," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

An inquiry has been ordered into the disaster, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said.

India has one of the worst road safety records globally.

A total of 461,312 road accidents were recorded in the country in 2022, resulting in 168,491 deaths and injuries to 443,366 people, according to official data.

Most accidents are blamed on poor driving skills, badly maintained roads and aging vehicles.

-- BERNAMA