Tehri Bus Tragedy: Passengers Allege Driver Negligence, Not Brake Failure

Tehri, Uttarakhand: A tragic bus accident on Monday in Tehri claimed the lives of five people, including four women and one man, while injuring several others. Initially reported as a brake failure, passengers on board have now alleged negligence by the driver as the primary cause of the accident.

According to survivors, the bus, carrying about 29 passengers, was parked on a slope when the driver suddenly started moving it. Only 18 passengers had boarded at that time, and some shouted warnings that others were still outside. The driver, however, did not slow down. The bus began to swerve uncontrollably, and despite attempts to apply brakes, it eventually plummeted into a gorge approximately 100 meters deep.

The injured were rushed to AIIMS Rishikesh and Narendranagar Combined Hospital for treatment. Passengers recounted that the bus shook violently as it moved forward, indicating a loss of control rather than mechanical failure.

The group of pilgrims had arrived at the Dayanand Ashram in Muniki Reti for a Vedanta workshop and had boarded two buses to visit the Siddhpeeth Kunjapuri Temple. One of these buses became the victim of the tragic mishap.

Authorities are investigating the incident to determine whether driver negligence or mechanical failure was responsible. The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and vehicle management on hilly routes in Uttarakhand.