Garhwal Post Bureau
Uttarkashi, 5 Nov: A tragic road accident occurred on the Gangotri National Highway near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district today when an Innova SUV carrying pilgrims went out of control and plunged into a deep gorge before falling into the river below. Four people were killed in the accident, one person sustained serious injuries and two others remain missing, with search and rescue operations continuing at the site.
According to the officials, the vehicle was travelling towards Gangotri Dham with seven occupants, including six tourists from Gujarat and the driver. The accident took place beyond Gangnani Bazaar in the direction of Dabrani when the vehicle reportedly went out of control and fell nearly 200 metres into the gorge before being swept into the river.
Police received information about the accident through the Delta communication network, following which teams from the police, SDRF and the 108 Emergency Ambulance Service were immediately rushed to the spot. Rescue personnel launched an intensive search operation along the riverbank and surrounding areas. During the operation, four bodies were recovered from the riverside, while one seriously injured person was rescued and rushed for treatment.
The accident site is located in a difficult and remote terrain, and rescuers have been facing challenges due to the fast-flowing river. SDRF, NDRF, police and other rescue teams have been conducting an extensive search along the riverbanks and other possible locations in an effort to trace the two missing persons. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, and authorities are gathering information relating to the vehicle and its occupants.
Disaster Management Officer Shardul Gusain said that immediately after receiving information about the Innova falling into the river near Gangnani, police, SDRF and emergency response teams were deployed to the site. He said four bodies had been recovered from the riverbank and that a search operation was continuing amid fears that other occupants may have been swept away. The final toll would become clear only after the rescue operation is completed.
District Magistrate Prashant Arya said that one seriously injured person has been rescued and taken to the PHC at Bhatwari. He added that arrangements are being made to shift the injured person to a higher medical centre by helicopter. The search for the two missing individuals is continuing.
The deceased have been identified as Ashokben Patel (49), a resident of Shivalik Residency, Lalita Chowkdi, Katargam, Surat City, Gujarat; Rutika Ashokbhai Patel (19), also a resident of Shivalik Residency, Lalita Chowkdi, Katargam, Surat City, Gujarat; Ghanshyambhai Sarwalia (32), a resident of Gujarat; and Surendra Singh of Haridwar, who was driving the vehicle.
