41 Oriya Pilgrims killed in Uttarakhand Bus mishap

At least 41 Badrinath-bound pilgrims from Orissa were killed and two critically injured when a bus carrying then fell into the Alaknanda river in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. 39 victims were from Ganjam district, while 2 belonged to Puri district. The mishap occurred when the driver of the bus lost control after being hit by a boulder.

Most of the dead bodies have been retrieved so far. Two injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital. Their condition is said to be critical. The pilgrims were returning to Rishikesh after visiting the Badrinath shrine. Most victims were from Purushottampur, Polsara and Buguda areas of Ganjam district and a few were from Puri.

No decision has been taken whether the cremation would take place in Uttarakhand or the bodies would be brought to Orissa. A special plane carrying all the relatives of the passengers will reach Uttarakhand today. The state government had already dispatched two officials to Uttarakhand. Two ministers of the state government will attend the funeral, which is most likely to be held there only. The Orissa government has also announced Rs 1 lakh each to the kins of the dead.