Jaipur, June 2 (IANS) An Innova car carrying tourists from Jaisalmer on a Char Dham pilgrimage plunged nearly 200 metres into the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand’s Tehri district, killing four people, including an AIIMS doctor. Three others remain missing, while a 12-year-old boy sustained critical injuries.
The accident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday near Ganga Darshan Hotel in Saknidhar, Devprayag. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced.
The deceased have been identified as Dinesh Kumar Mali (27), a resident of Dariya Nath Bawdi in Jaisalmer; his mother, Kamala Devi (67); his niece, Jahnavi (18); and the driver, Akhilesh. Ayushman (12) was critically injured and initially taken to Srinagar Base Hospital (Uttarakhand) before being referred to AIIMS Rishikesh. Meanwhile, Guddi Devi (40) and her daughters Narmada (20) and Ashlesha (16) remain missing.
Rescue teams are continuing search operations. Ayushman is Guddi Devi’s son, while Jahnavi was her daughter.
According to police, the Innova was heading towards Haridwar when it suddenly went out of control and skidded off the road, plunging approximately 200 metres down into the Alaknanda River.
Upon receiving information, Devprayag Police rushed to the spot. SDRF teams from Vyasi, Srinagar, and Dhalwala were deployed and launched rescue operations amid strong river currents and difficult terrain.
During the operation, rescuers first recovered the bodies of Dinesh, Kamala Devi, and driver Akhilesh. Nearly eight hours later, Jahnavi’s body was also recovered. Search operations for the three missing persons are still underway.
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle was moving at high speed before the driver apparently lost control. Locals immediately informed police after witnessing the car plunge into the gorge.
The rescue mission has been challenging due to the powerful currents of the Alaknanda River, the nearly 200-metre-deep gorge, and the rugged mountainous terrain. Divers and SDRF teams continue to comb the river and the surrounding area.
Family members said Dinesh Kumar Mali had completed his MBBS degree in Ukraine and returned to India nearly two years ago. After briefly practising at his brother’s medical facility in Jaisalmer, he joined AIIMS about a year ago.
He had visited Jaisalmer just 10–15 days before the tragedy and had taken his parents on a Char Dham pilgrimage. His father, Lunaram, who suffers from respiratory illness, reportedly stayed back in Haridwar and was not travelling in the vehicle.
–IANS
arc/dan
