ALMORA: At least six passengers died and several others injured after a bus plunged into a deep gorge near Sailapani, close to Vinayak in the Bhikyashen area of Almora district, on Tuesday morning.The accident triggered panic in the region and prompted a large-scale rescue operation by the administration.According to tehsildar Abid Ali, the bus was en route from Dwarahat to Ramnagar when it veered off the road and fell into the gorge. Five bodies were initially recovered from the accident site, while the death of another passenger was confirmed later. The bus was carrying 12 passengers at the time of the mishap.Soon after receiving information about the accident, teams from the police, district administration, and disaster management authorities rushed to the scene.

Local residents also joined the rescue efforts, helping officials navigate the difficult terrain. Rescue operations have been challenging due to the depth of the gorge, but teams continue to work relentlessly to ensure all victims are accounted for.The injured were provided first aid and shifted to nearby health centres, while those with serious injuries have been referred to higher medical facilities. The administration has begun the process of identifying the deceased and informing their families.Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.

Preliminary assessments point towards poor road conditions and a possible loss of control by the driver.CM condoles bus accident in AlmoraCM Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed grief over the bus accident on the Bikhiyasain–Vinayak Motor Road, en route from Bikhiyasain to Ramnagar in Almora district. The CM extended condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured being treated at nearby hospitals.