Champawat (Uttarakhand): A devastating accident took place on the Lohaghat–Ghat National Highway in Champawat district, where a Bolero carrying wedding guests plunged into a deep gorge near Bagdhara late Wednesday night. The mishap claimed five lives, while five others sustained serious injuries.
The incident occurred around 2:30 AM when the vehicle, part of a wedding procession returning after the bride’s bidai, lost control at the sharp Bagdhara bend. According to eyewitnesses and members of the wedding party, the driver was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, which may have led to the fatal loss of control.
Local residents rushed to the spot and helped rescue the injured from the gorge. The victims were immediately taken to Lohaghat Sub-District Hospital, where a team led by Dr. Viraj Rathi and Dr. Azeem is treating the survivors. One critically injured person has been referred to Champawat District Hospital.
Upon receiving the information, Lohaghat SHO Ashok Kumar, along with police, SDRF, and fire services teams, reached the accident site and carried out rescue operations through the night.
Police said the wedding procession had travelled from Kilota village of Sheraghat (Pithoragarh) to Balatadi, and the vehicle (registration UK 04 TB 2074) fell into the gorge on its return journey.
Those who lost their lives in the accident include:
- Bhavana Chaubey
- Priyanshu (6-year-old son of Bhavana Chaubey)
- Prakash Chandra
- Keval Chandra Uniyal
- Suresh Chandra Nautiyal
Local hotel owner Madan Samant and teacher Manoj Pant played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, helping lift the injured from the steep gorge.
Police have initiated an investigation and are verifying reports about the driver’s intoxication.
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