“Pithoragarh road accident”, “jeep falls into gorge”, “8 dead”
On a rainy Monday morning, tragedy struck in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district when a jeep carrying passengers skidded off a slippery mountain road and tumbled into a deep gorge, killing eight people on the spot. Among the dead were two women and a young child.
The accident happened around 9:30 AM near the sharp Gurna bend, a notorious curve known to locals for its lack of guardrails and steep drop.
What Happened in the Pithoragarh Road Accident?
According to police and eyewitnesses, the jeep was travelling from Thal to Pithoragarh when it lost control while negotiating a narrow turn in heavy rain. The vehicle veered off the wet road and plummeted nearly 300 meters down the hillside.
Villagers nearby said they heard a loud crash and rushed to the site. Some climbed down the muddy slope to help pull out the victims before rescue teams arrived.
“It was raining, and the road was so slippery,” said Mahesh Rawat, a villager who was among the first to reach the spot. “We heard shouting at first, and then silence. We tried to help, but most of them were already gone.”
The Victims in the Pithoragarh Road Accident
Eight passengers, including two women and a child, were killed instantly. Two others were pulled out alive but critically injured. They were rushed to the district hospital in Pithoragarh, where doctors say their condition remains serious.
Officials are still confirming the identities of the deceased and notifying their families.
Monsoon Conditions Behind the Pithoragarh Road Accident
The region has seen continuous rain for the past week, leaving mountain roads slick with mud and increasing the risk of landslides. Residents of the area say accidents like this are all too common in the monsoon months.
“This stretch of road is dangerous even in good weather,” said one shopkeeper near Gurna bend. “Every year, there are accidents here. We have been asking for guardrails and repairs for years.”
Official Response to the Pithoragarh Road Accident
District officials and police reached the site with SDRF teams and carried out rescue operations in difficult conditions.
“This is a very unfortunate incident,” said a senior district official. “Our teams did their best despite rain and slippery terrain. We are investigating the cause and will also review road safety measures on this route.”
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed condolences and directed officials to provide treatment for the injured and compensation for the families of those who died.
Why Pithoragarh Roads Are So Dangerous During Monsoon
Authorities have again urged people to avoid unnecessary travel on hill roads during the monsoon. Drivers are advised to move slowly, avoid night driving, and check weather updates before setting out.
Recent Road Accidents in Uttarakhand Hills
This is just one of several incidents reported in the Uttarakhand hills this monsoon season. Just last week, a Bolero SUV fell into a gorge in Almora, killing four. In Champawat, a bus carrying schoolchildren narrowly escaped being hit by a landslide.
Road Safety Concerns in Pithoragarh Highlighted Again
Monday’s tragedy has reignited debate about the lack of basic road safety infrastructure in Uttarakhand’s hilly districts. Locals say poor maintenance, weak guardrails, and a lack of proper warning signs contribute to accidents, especially during the monsoon when roads become slippery and visibility drops. Activists have called on the government to prioritize repair and reinforcement of vulnerable stretches like the Gurna bend to prevent more such avoidable loss of life in the future.
Final Word: Lessons From the Pithoragarh Road Accident
Monday’s crash is another grim reminder of how fragile road safety is in the Himalayan hills, especially during monsoon. As tourism grows in Uttarakhand, the pressure on already dangerous roads only increases.
For the families who lost their loved ones, and for those still fighting for their lives in the hospital, this day will remain etched in memory as a dark one.
Reported by [Realyatra], Pithoragarh
