Rudraprayag Bus Accident: One Body Recovered, Eight Still Missing on Day Two

On the second day of a relentless search and rescue operation in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, authorities recovered the body of Sanjay Soni, a 55-year-old from Udaipur, Rajasthan following a tragic bus accident. The 31-seater tempo traveller, carrying 20 pilgrims to Badrinath, plunged into the Alaknanda River on Thursday after colliding with a truck. Eight passengers remain missing, with multiple agencies, including the district police, fire service, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and water police, working tirelessly to locate them amidst challenging conditions.

A Devastating Accident

The accident occurred near the Srinagar Garhwal dam on Thursday morning, when the bus, navigating a narrow stretch of NH-58, lost control and fell into the turbulent Alaknanda River. Of the 20 passengers, 11 were rescued or accounted for initially, but the fate of eight others remains unknown. The recovery of Sanjay Soni’s body on Friday morning, found downstream after an extensive search, has deepened the tragedy’s toll, with families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

Coordinated Rescue Efforts

The ongoing operation involves a joint effort by the SDRF, district police, fire service, and water police, supported by local volunteers. Teams are scouring a 40-kilometer stretch of the river, using boats, drones, and divers to navigate strong currents and rocky terrain. The search, centered near the accident site, faces obstacles due to fast-moving waters and debris, but authorities remain committed. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to operate on a “war-footing,” ensuring no effort is spared.

Community and Official Response

The tragedy has shaken Rudraprayag, a key pilgrimage hub. Local communities have rallied to assist, providing food and support to rescue teams. The district administration is coordinating with hospitals to treat survivors and has set up helplines for families seeking updates.

Hope Amidst Grief

As the search continues, the focus remains on finding the eight missing passengers. The recovery of Sanjay Soni’s body underscores the operation’s urgency, with authorities vowing to persist until all are accounted for, offering solace to grieving families.