Key Points:
- Bus skidded off road near Kunjapuri-Hindolakhal in Narendranagar area of Tehri district
- Five passengers confirmed dead, 23 injured in the accident
- Victims were pilgrims from Gujarat and Delhi returning from Kunjapuri Temple
- Bus fell approximately 70 meters into a deep gorge
- Five SDRF teams deployed for rescue operations
- All injured evacuated and transported to nearby hospitals
- Investigation launched to determine exact cause of accident
A devastating road accident occurred on Monday afternoon near Kunjapuri Temple in Uttarakhand when a bus carrying pilgrims lost control and plunged into a 70-meter-deep gorge. The incident took place near Kunjapuri-Hindolakhal under the Narendranagar police station area in Tehri district. According to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the bus was carrying approximately 28 passengers, mostly devotees from Gujarat and Delhi who had visited the Kunjapuri Temple. The vehicle skidded off the road and fell into the gorge, creating a massive impact that resulted in multiple casualties.
Casualties and Victims
Five people have been confirmed dead in the tragic accident, while 23 others sustained serious injuries. The victims were part of a pilgrimage group that had traveled to Uttarakhand to visit the sacred Kunjapuri Temple, a popular religious destination in the region. Authorities have warned that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue and the condition of some injured passengers remains critical. The injured victims were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway
The SDRF swiftly responded to the emergency, deploying five teams from Dhalwala Post, Koti Colony Post, and SDRF Battalion Headquarters to the accident site under the direction of Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi. Local administration and police teams also arrived immediately to coordinate rescue and relief operations. The SDRF teams have successfully evacuated all injured passengers from the gorge and are continuing search operations to ensure no victims remain trapped. The District Magistrate confirmed that all necessary steps are being taken and the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals.
उत्तराखंड के टिहरी जिले में हादसा, बस खाई में गिरी-5 यात्रियों की मौत
— Akashvani News Uttarakhand 🇮🇳 (@airnews_ddn) November 24, 2025
टिहरी जिले के कुंजापुरी-हिंडोलाखाल मार्ग पर एक बस के गहरी खाई में गिरने से उसमें सवार पाँच यात्रियों की मृत्यु हो गई।
प्रारंभिक जानकारी के अनुसार बस में 30 से 35 लोगों के सवार होने की संभावना बताई जा रही है। pic.twitter.com/yv1AgAEDs9
Traffic Disruption and Area Cordoned Off
The accident has created significant disruption in the area, with police cordoning off the accident site and managing traffic flow around the location. Sunheri Masjid Road and the surrounding areas have been closed to facilitate rescue operations. The incident has caused panic in the region, as authorities work to clear the site and restore normal traffic movement. The steep terrain and challenging geographical conditions have made rescue operations more difficult, requiring specialized equipment and careful coordination.
Investigation and Official Response
Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, though initial reports suggest the bus lost control while navigating the hilly terrain. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed district officials to provide all possible assistance to the victims and their families. The accident highlights the persistent risk of road accidents in Uttarakhand’s hilly regions, particularly during the pilgrimage season when traffic volume increases significantly. Authorities are examining whether mechanical failure, driver error, or road conditions contributed to the accident.
