36 Dead in Bus Accident in Himalaya

Authorities in India have confirmed that at least 36 people have died following a bus accident in a ravine in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.

The incident occurred on Monday, and reports indicate that three individuals have sustained serious injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Deepak Rawat, a senior official in Uttarakhand, stated that the death toll had been officially confirmed, underscoring the tragic nature of the accident.

The bus plunged into the ravine, highlighting the dangers associated with the region's treacherous roads, which are often poorly maintained.

Road accidents are unfortunately common on India's extensive and hazardous road network. According to a World Bank report released in 2021, 11% of global road traffic deaths occur in India, despite the country having only 1% of the world's vehicles.

This latest tragedy follows a series of similar incidents in the region. In May, at least 21 people lost their lives when their bus fell into a ravine on a mountainous road in the part of Kashmir administered by New Delhi.

Additionally, in November 2023, 37 individuals were killed in the same area when a bus slid off a mountain road and plummeted into a gorge.