Uttarakhand Road Accident: Passenger Bus Carrying 30 People Plunges Into Gorge on Kuanau–Meenak Road in Dehradun

A deeply distressing incident has been reported from Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district. A Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus carrying passengers lost control and plunged into a deep gorge on the Kuanau–Meenak Road under the Kalsi police station area. According to preliminary information, more than 30 passengers were travelling on the bus at the time of the accident. The sudden crash has triggered panic and concern in the region, with fears of serious injuries and fatalities. Authorities are treating the incident as extremely serious due to the terrain and the number of people on board.

Devastating news from Kwanu-Minas road in Dehradun. HRTC bus with over 30 passengers met with an accident in Kalsi, Uttarakhand. 3 people confirmed dead (2 women, 1 man) and nearly 35 injured. Locals are helping with rescue ops rn. This is just tragic. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/xU2OLQLOoi

— Himalayan Hindu (@himalayanhindu) February 3, 2026

Earlier this morning, Dehradun’s Central Control Room (CCR) received information about the major accident on the remote Meenak Road in the Kalsi region. Eyewitnesses said the bus suddenly lost balance and skidded off the narrow hill road before tumbling into a deep gorge. The severity of the crash can be gauged from reports suggesting that the bus may have been completely damaged. As soon as the alert was received, local police, along with nearby villagers, rushed to the site and immediately began relief and rescue efforts despite difficult conditions.

Considering the gravity of the accident, SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi issued immediate instructions to launch a large-scale rescue operation. Following his directions, four specialised SDRF teams were dispatched from different locations—Dakpathar, Chakrata, Mori, and Tyuni. All teams are equipped with modern rescue tools and life support systems and are moving towards the accident site. Due to the mountainous terrain and the depth of the gorge, rescue operations are proving to be extremely challenging, requiring careful coordination and technical expertise.

Following the incident, the Dehradun district administration and the health department have been placed on high alert. All primary health centres and hospitals in Chakrata and surrounding areas have been instructed to remain fully prepared for emergencies. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to the District Magistrate and issued necessary rescue directions. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said nearby medical facilities are on high alert and seriously injured passengers will be airlifted if needed. Initial reports suggest overcrowding, raising fears that casualties could increase.

He posted on X, "We have received the extremely distressing news of the accident involving a bus of the Himachal Transport Corporation on the Kuanu-Meens Motor Road in the Kalsi area (Dehradun). Upon receiving information about the accident, I spoke with the District Magistrate over the phone and issued necessary instructions. The district administration and police have promptly initiated relief and rescue operations. All nearby medical centres have been placed on high alert mode. If needed, any seriously injured passengers will be airlifted and admitted to advanced medical centers. I pray to God for the safe well-being of all passengers."

क्वानू-मीनस मोटर मार्ग, कालसी क्षेत्र (देहरादून) में हिमाचल परिवहन निगम की बस के दुर्घटनाग्रस्त होने का अत्यंत दुःखद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ है।

दुर्घटना की सूचना प्राप्त होते ही जिलाधिकारी से दूरभाष पर बात कर आवश्यक निर्देश दिए। जिला प्रशासन एवं पुलिस द्वारा त्वरित कार्रवाई करते हुए…

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) February 3, 2026

The bus may have been carrying more passengers than its permitted capacity, which has raised fears that the number of casualties could increase, reported Navbharat. Police and SDRF personnel are prioritising the safe evacuation of passengers trapped inside the gorge and shifting them to nearby hospitals as quickly as possible. The scene remains chaotic, with cries for help echoing from the accident site. Local villagers have also stepped forward and are actively assisting the administration in the rescue and relief operations amid extremely difficult conditions.