Uttarkashi: At least 24 people died near Damta on the Yamunotri National Highway, when a bus carrying 30 pilgrims fell into a gorge in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand on Sunday. According to the police sources the pilgrims started their journey from Panna district in Madhya Pradesh to visit holy places in Uttarakhand.

Prime Minister announced an exgratia of Rs 2 lakh for the bereaved family members each from PMNRF for those who lost their lives in the accident in Uttarakhand. The injured would be given Rs 50K each.

The accident took place between Damta and Barnigad, which is around 70 km from Yamunotri Dham at around 7.15 pm, after the driver allegedly fell asleep at the wheel. It was said that this was his third trip without a rest. So far the bodies of 24 pilgrims have been retrieved while six others injured are undergoing treatment at Damta Primary Health Centre for first aid.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and expressed grief over the accident. The bus accident in Uttarakhand is extremely painful, he said. The local administration under the supervision of the state government is doing all possible help.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his grief at the loss of lives in the accident and spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Amit Shah in his tweet said that it is very sad to hear about the bus of devotees falling into the gorge in Uttarakhand. I have spoken to the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in rescue work and the injured are being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. NDRF is also reaching there soon.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in a tweet said that the death of pilgrims, from Panna district, after their bus fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand, is unfortunate. Our team is in constant touch with the Uttarakhand Government. Arrangements are being made for the treatment of the injured and to bring back the bodies.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the accident. Dhami reached the disaster control room at Secretariat to take stock of the relief and rescue operations. Expressing grief over the accident, the CM has directed the district administration to carry out relief and rescue work expeditiously. He also instructed officials to make arrangements for proper treatment of the injured.