Driver, Conductor, and Bus Owner Booked Following Almora Accident That Killed 36
- Posted on November 5, 2024
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
- 78 Views
A bus crash in Almora, Uttarakhand, left 36 dead and 27 injured. An FIR was filed against the driver, conductor, and owner, and a magisterial inquiry was ordered. The overcrowded bus reportedly had mechanical issues before veering off a bend. Survivors cited the driver’s unusual behavior before the fatal accident.
In Almora, Uttarakhand, authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the driver, conductor, and owner of a bus that tragically plunged into a gorge on Monday, resulting in the death of 36 people. The bus, owned by Garhwal Motor Owner’s Union Limited, was carrying 63 passengers, well over its 42-seat capacity, on a route from Dhumakot (Pauri Garhwal) to Ramnagar.
The FIR was filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections, including 281 (rash driving), 106(1) (causing death by negligence), and 61 (criminal conspiracy). However, the names of those involved were not specified, as police were unaware at the time that the driver, Dinesh Singh, was among the deceased.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with survivors and ordered a magisterial inquiry, subsequently suspending two assistant regional transport officers for alleged negligence. The state has pledged to support a three-year-old girl who survived the accident but lost her parents, with Dhami promising she would receive comprehensive care and education.
District magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey mentioned difficulties in pinpointing a single cause, although a broken rod in the bus was found, and some survivors mentioned the driver’s erratic behavior and an issue with the bus prior to the crash. Witnesses reported that the driver, who appeared preoccupied with personal calls during the journey, had warned passengers to deboard if they felt unsafe.
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The transport officer confirmed that the bus had a valid fitness certificate, though its overcrowded state raised concerns. The Garhwal Motor Owner’s Union, however, denied overcrowding played a role in the accident, attributing the tragedy to a mechanical failure.
