3 Kanwadiyas dead, 19 injured as truck overturns on Rishikesh-Gangotri highway

PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Tehri

Three Kanwadiyas were killed and 19 sustained injuries after a truck carrying 21 pilgrims overturned between Jajal and Fakot on the Rishikesh-Gangotri highway in Tehri district. The accident occurred around 9 AM on Wednesday near Tachila when the truck, bearing registration number UP13BT8739, lost control and broke through the crash barrier before overturning, as per the officials. The vehicle was en route from Uttar Pradesh to Dharali in Uttarkashi, transporting supplies for a Kanwad Bhandara. All 21 passengers on board were residents of Mohalla Kastwada, Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh.

The Tehri district magistrate Nitika Khandelwal visited the accident site upon receiving information and later met the injured at Narendra Nagar hospital. She assured full support for treatment and directed the local administration to ensure food and other arrangements for the injured. The officials informed that initially, the injured were taken to primary health centre in Fakot and later referred to Narendra Nagar. The chief medical superintendent of district hospital, Dr Sunita confirmed that one person died on the spot while two others succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital. One person was referred to AIIMS Rishikesh and two others will also be treated there under the plastic surgery unit. The remaining 16 injured are being treated at Narendra Nagar, mostly for fractures.

Tehsildar Ayodhya Uniyal said that after receiving the accident alert, SDRF and local police reached the spot and began rescue operations. Local villagers also helped in the rescue and five JCBs were used to lift the overturned truck. The deceased have been identified as Vikki, Sunil Saini and Sanjay and 18 other injured persons are under treatment. The DM said that the authorities have been monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance to the victims and their families.