Horrific accident on Gangotri Highway, Innova falls into Bhagirathi river; 4 dead, 1 critically injured, 2 women missing

A tragic road accident occurred on the Gangotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand on Thursday morning. Near Gangnani, an Innova car went out of control, fell into a deep gorge, and submerged in the Bhagirathi river. There were seven people in the car, including the driver, at the time of the accident. Four people died in the accident, while a 17-year-old youth is critically injured. Meanwhile, two women are still missing.

According to preliminary information, the passengers in the car were residents of Gujarat and were heading beyond Uttarkashi to visit Gangotri Dham. Upon receiving information about the accident, teams from the police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the district administration reached the spot.

Car fell into a gorge about 200 meters deep

The accident took place near Gangnani in the Bhatwari tehsil of Uttarkashi district. It is being reported that the Innova car suddenly went out of control and fell into a deep gorge below the road. Following this, the vehicle submerged in the Bhagirathi river.

Information about the accident was received by the Emergency Operation Center at around 7 AM. Subsequently, relief and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the site. The strong current of the river and the difficult terrain are posing challenges to the rescue operation.

Four bodies recovered, injured youth referred to AIIMS Rishikesh

During the rescue operation, four bodies have been recovered from the riverbank so far. A 17-year-old youth was safely pulled out in critical condition. After receiving first aid, he has been sent to AIIMS Rishikesh by helicopter.

Teams from the SDRF, NDRF, water police, and trained divers are conducting a search operation in the river to find the two women missing in the accident. The district administration is monitoring the entire rescue operation.

Identification of the deceased, injured, and missing persons

According to the information provided by the administration, the four people who lost their lives in the accident have been identified.

Deceased:

1. Ashokben Patel (49 years), resident of Surat, Gujarat

2. Rutika Ashokbhai Patel (19 years), resident of Surat, Gujarat

3. Ghanshyambhai Sarvaliya (32 years), resident of Gujarat

4. Surendra Singh, resident of Haridwar (vehicle driver)

Injured:

– Vedant Ashokbhai Patel (17 years), resident of Gujarat. He has been referred to AIIMS Rishikesh in critical condition.

Missing:

1. Sudhaben Ashokbhai Patel (45 years), resident of Gujarat

2. Kiranben Vishalbhai Patel (34 years), resident of Surendranagar, Gujarat

Rescue teams engaged in the search for missing women

Since the accident, a continuous search operation has been underway in the Bhagirathi river and surrounding potential areas. Rescue teams are facing significant difficulties due to the strong current.

According to the administration, all available resources are being utilized to locate the two missing women. Currently, the cause of the accident has not been determined. The police are investigating the circumstances of the accident.