President condoles the loss of lives in Uttarakhand bus accident

President Pranab Mukherjee has written to Dr. Krishan Kant Paul, the Governor of Uttarakhand, conveying his condolences on the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Uttarakhand on Wednesday.

At least 21 pilgrims were killed while seven others have been injured in a bus accident near Dharasu in Uttarkashi district.

In the message, the President said, "My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the accident. I am sure that the State Government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to provide all possible help to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to those injured".

Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi condoled the deaths and tweeted, "My prayers and solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi. May the injured recover soon."

Prime Minister Modi also announced ex-gratia of Rs. two lakh for the kin of each of those killed in the tragic bus accident. The funds would be released from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). "The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in the bus accident in Uttarkashi from PMNRF," a statement from the PMO said.

The bus carrying 28 pilgrims from Indore, Madhya Pradesh was returning from Gangotri when it fell into Bhagirathi River.

The accident occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday near Dharasu when the pilgrims were returning from Gangotri. All 21 dead bodies have been recovered.

While, the injured have been admitted to district hospital at Uttarkashi and Community Health Centre (CHC) Chinyalisaur.

The cause of the accident is said to be separation of the tire from the bus due to which driver lost control over the vehicle and it fell into the gorge. Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has also expressed deep grief over the accident.

He announced ex-gratia of Rupees one lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased and 50,000 to the seriously injured. He has also directed a magisterial probe into the accident.