5 dead as bus carrying 30 passengers falls into gorge in Dehradun

At least five passengers have been confirmed dead and several others seriously injured after a Himachal Roadways bus carrying more than 30 people plunged into a deep gorge in the Kalsi area of Dehradun district on Tuesday morning, officials said. Early figures had reported three fatalities, but rescue teams revised the toll as operations continued and more victims were found.

The accident occurred on the Kuanu‑Meenas Road , a remote and hilly stretch known for its sharp bends. Preliminary reports suggest the bus, which was traveling on its regular route from Nerwa to Vikasnagar , may have lost control while negotiating a curve before veering off the road and falling into the ravine.

Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were immediately dispatched to the site, with units from Dakpathar, Chakrata, Mori, and Tyuni participating in the search and rescue operation. The steep and challenging terrain has made the relief efforts difficult, and specialized equipment is being used to reach passengers trapped inside the severely damaged bus.

Authorities said several passengers were seriously injured and have been taken to hospitals in Vikasnagar and surrounding areas. Medical centers across the region have been put on high alert , and arrangements are in place to airlift critically injured passengers to advanced medical facilities if required.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said the district administration and police had launched immediate relief and rescue operations. He said he had spoken with the District Magistrate and issued necessary instructions for swift assistance to the victims.

Officials have warned that the death toll could still rise as teams continue to comb the gorge and reach more areas that were difficult to access in the initial hours of the rescue operation. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation by authorities.

The tragedy has underscored the risks of travel on steep and winding hill roads in the region, prompting renewed calls from local residents and officials for improved road safety measures and stronger barriers at hazardous stretches.