At least 14 people were killed on Saturday in an accident on the Badrinath National Highway near Raintoli in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, where a tourist vehicle plunged into a gorge. Seven critically injured pilgrims were airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh, while the other injured are undergoing treatment at the district hospital. According to reports, the vehicle was carrying 26 people when the incident occurred. Upon receiving the information, a rescue operation was immediately conducted by the district magistrate and police superintendent, supported by SDRF, fire services and district disaster management teams. All bodies have been recovered.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttarakhand Governor Gurmeet Singh and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami have expressed deep condolences.

Prime Minister Modi has announced ex-gratia of two lakh rupees from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given 50 thousand rupees.