A tragic accident struck Uttarakhand on Thursday as a tempo traveller carrying 20 pilgrims plunged into the Alaknanda River near Gholthir village, located on the Badrinath National Highway between Rudraprayag and Gauchar. According to police and rescue officials, two people lost their lives, ten are still missing, and eight others were seriously injured in the incident. Emergency teams, including members of the Red Cross Society, swiftly responded to the scene, managing to recover two bodies and transport the injured to a nearby hospital.

Rescue teams reported that the injured include three women and two children, while the search continues for the missing passengers. The accident occurred around a sharp bend on the mountainous highway, a stretch known for its challenging terrain. One of the deceased was found near the crash site, while the other body was recovered downstream near Rudraprayag. The driver and 19 others were in the vehicle when it lost control and tumbled into the river, highlighting ongoing concerns over road safety along pilgrimage routes in Uttarakhand.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident and coordinating with local divers and disaster response forces to locate the missing individuals. The incident has once again raised alarms about the need for stricter regulation and safety checks for vehicles transporting pilgrims through treacherous mountain routes. The tragic episode has cast a shadow over the pilgrimage season, prompting calls for enhanced safety infrastructure and training for drivers navigating such risky roads.