Uttarakhand accident: Death toll reached 12 after a tempo traveller carrying 23 passengers fell into a deep gorge on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag on Saturday.

According to the latest update by SDRF, 14 people are injured. Earlier, it was reported that four people, who are seriously injured, have been referred to a higher centre while 9 others are in the hospital where they are undergoing treatment.

The State Disaster Response Force and police teams are carrying out rescue operations. 

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reacted to the incident, saying, “Very sad news was received about a tempo traveller accident in Rudraprayag district. The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. The injured have been sent to the nearest medical centre for treatment. The district magistrate has been ordered to investigate the incident.”

Amit Shah expresses condolences

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences for the loss of lives in the accident, adding that local administration and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are involved in the rescue operation.

"Received the sad news of the road accident in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. My condolences are with the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue work and all possible help is being provided to the injured. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured," Amit Shah said.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda also expressed his condolences and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.

"The news of many people getting killed in a road accident in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, is extremely sad. The local administration is engaged in relief and rescue work with full readiness. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray to Baba Kedarnath Ji to grant speedy recovery to the injured," Nadda said

Uttarakhand accident

The bus was on its way to Rudraprayag from Noida when it fell into the 150-meter-deep gorge.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the accident. Garhwal IG KS Nagnyal said that the local administration, residents, and SDRF are all working together to rescue and relief operation.