New Tehri, April 23: Eight people were killed and two others injured on Thursday after a utility pickup vehicle fell into a deep gorge in the Chamba area of the Tehri district, officials said.
The victims, residents of Thyoldhar village in the Ghansali, were returning home after performing the last rites of a villager in Haridwar when the driver lost control of the Bolero Camper, Tehri District Magistrate Nitika Khandelwal said.
There were around 10 people on board the vehicle at the time of the accident. Emergency and rescue teams have recovered eight bodies and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital.
In a statement released, PM Modi conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating mishap.
In addition to expressing his grief, the Prime Minister has announced an ex gratia payment of two lakh rupees from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will be provided to the next of kin of each individual who lost their life in the accident.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the incident and directed the district administration to ensure “prompt and proper treatment” for the injured.
The chief minister further instructed the administration to ensure proper treatment for the injured and wished them a speedy recovery.
The SDRF, local police and fire service personnel have rescued two individuals from the wreckage so far. (PTI)
