Tragic Bus Accident in Rudraprayag: Two Dead, 10 Missing in Alaknanda River

The incident, reported on the Badrinath National Highway, has left the region reeling. Two deaths have been confirmed, and 10 passengers remain missing, prompting an urgent rescue operation by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local authorities.

Details of the Accident

The bus, traveling from Rishikesh to Badrinath, lost control around 8 AM, likely due to a sharp turn or slippery roads worsened by recent heavy rainfall. The vehicle crashed through guardrails and submerged in the river’s swollen waters, complicating rescue efforts. Seven passengers were rescued, with six receiving treatment at nearby hospitals, including AIIMS Rishikesh. The confirmed fatalities include one woman, and the search continues for the 10 missing, with fears of further casualties due to the river’s strong currents.

#WATCH | Uttarakhand | SDRF personnel are conducting a search operation near the dam in Srinagar, Garhwal, which is 40 km from the Rudraprayag bus accident site, for any bus passengers who might have floated down the river due to strong currents pic.twitter.com/ftjTEPDhni

— ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2025

Rescue Operations in Full Force

SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and police teams from Agastyamuni, Ratuda, and Gochar stations are working tirelessly at the site.  Locals have joined efforts, but the Alaknanda’s overflow, fueled by monsoon rains, poses significant challenges. The Rudraprayag administration has urged the public to avoid spreading rumors and rely on official updates.

Rudraprayag Bus Crash

The tragedy has cast a pall over Uttarakhand, a region frequented by pilgrims and tourists. Social media reflects widespread sorrow, with visuals of the raging river amplifying concerns. The incident underscores the dangers of navigating hilly terrains during monsoons, prompting calls for stricter safety measures. As rescue teams persevere, the focus remains on finding the missing and supporting affected families, with hopes for survivors dwindling amidst the river’s relentless flow.