Road Accident – Three Killed After Car Falls Into Almora Gorge
Road Accident – A joyful family journey ended in heartbreak late Thursday when a car carrying eight relatives plunged into a deep gorge along the Almora-Takula motor road in Uttarakhand. The vehicle fell nearly 150 metres near Basauli, resulting in the deaths of three people, including an infant, while five others were left critically injured.
Vehicle Loses Control on Mountain Stretch
According to officials, the group had attended a wedding ceremony in Jhijhar village and was travelling back to Delhi when the accident occurred between Churadi and Mahendra Club. The car, a Maruti Brezza bearing registration number DL9CBH8402, reportedly went out of control on a sharp curve before skidding off the road and tumbling down the hillside.
Police sources indicated that the stretch where the incident occurred is narrow and winding, typical of hill roads in the region. Preliminary findings suggest the driver may have lost control while negotiating the bend, though investigators are examining all possible factors.
Swift Response From Rescue Teams
Soon after bystanders informed authorities, teams from the State Disaster Response Force were dispatched to the scene. Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi said a unit from the Sariyapani post, led by Sub-Inspector Pankaj Dangwal, reached the accident site promptly.
Rescue efforts were complicated by darkness and the steep terrain. Personnel from the local police and residents of nearby villages joined the operation, working carefully to reach the wreckage at the bottom of the gorge. Officials described the extraction process as extremely challenging due to the depth and rocky slope.
Despite sustained efforts, three occupants were found dead at the spot. The victims were identified as 11-month-old Rehan, 44-year-old Manju Devi, and 50-year-old Dinesh Ram.
Five Survivors Undergoing Treatment
Five other passengers sustained serious injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for emergency care. Among the injured are Rehan’s parents, Jaya, 25, and Mahesh Arya, 25, who are reported to be in critical condition. Medical staff are closely monitoring their health status.
Photographs from the scene showed the vehicle severely damaged from the impact, underscoring the force of the fall. Authorities said the car was mangled beyond recognition, making rescue operations even more complex.
Investigation Underway
The bodies of the deceased have been sent to the Base Hospital for post-mortem examinations, officials confirmed. Almora police have registered a case and begun a detailed investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash.
While initial assessments point to loss of control on a bend, officers said they would also review factors such as road conditions, vehicle condition, and driver-related aspects before reaching any conclusion.
The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with hill driving, particularly during night travel. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution on mountainous routes, especially on narrow and curved stretches.
As families mourn the sudden loss of their loved ones, rescue personnel and medical teams continue their efforts to ensure the injured receive the best possible care.