Passenger Bus with 18 Onboard Plunges into Alaknanda River near Uttarakhand’s Gholtir on Badrinath Highway

June 26, 2025: In a tragic accident, a passenger bus carrying 18 people plunged into the Alaknanda River near Gholtir on the Badrinath Highway earlier today. The incident occurred in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, triggering an immediate emergency response from local authorities and disaster teams.

Police Headquarters spokesperson, IG Nilesh Anand Bharane, confirmed the incident, stating:

“A bus went out of control and fell into the Alaknanda river in the Gholthir area of Rudraprayag district.”

The accident reportedly happened around 43 minutes ago, with rescue operations swiftly underway. While the exact cause of the mishap is still being investigated, preliminary reports suggest that the vehicle may have skidded off the road due to a sharp turn or mechanical failure.

Rescue teams, including SDRF and local police, have been deployed to the site. Authorities are working against the clock to locate survivors, recover bodies, and provide necessary aid to the injured. The steep and rocky terrain, coupled with the strong river current, is making rescue operations particularly challenging.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as “devastating,” with parts of the bus submerged and debris scattered across the riverbank.

More updates are expected as the situation unfolds.