On June 15, 2024, a tragic accident occurred on the Badrinath Highway, when a tempo traveller, fell on the Alaknanda River with approximately 26 passengers, He lost control and fell into the Alaknanda River, approximately 650 feet below. The vehicle was travelling from Noida to Chopta for a Tungnath trekking tour. The incident took place around 11:00 AM on 15 June 2024. According to sources, the driver had been driving through the night, likely leading to fatigue and the subsequent accident.
Initially, reports indicated that seven people had died. However, the latest updates reveal that the death toll has risen to 14. Many others were injured, some critically. The wounded were initially taken to nearby primary health centres for treatment. Those with serious injuries were airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh for further medical care.
The rescue operation faced significant challenges due to the river’s swift current, its said river flow was too high. Upon receiving news of the accident, rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the scene and began their operations despite the difficult conditions.
It was found that the tempo traveller did not have proper registration. Although it is mandatory for vehicles undertaking the Char Dham Yatra to be registered, this vehicle was headed for the Tungnath Chopta Valley trek and thus was not registered.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He announced financial assistance of two lakh rupees for the families of the deceased and fifty thousand rupees for those seriously injured.
