Pickup plunges into Alaknanda on Rishikesh–Badrinath Highway, 3 feared missing

my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 13 Feb: A major road accident was reported today on the Rishikesh–Badrinath National Highway after a pickup vehicle lost control and plunged into the Alaknanda River near Teendhara, close to Sainik Hotel. According to preliminary information, three persons are suspected to have been travelling in the vehicle, all of whom are presently reported missing.
Upon receiving information about the incident, the Tehri District Control Room immediately alerted the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). It was conveyed that a vehicle had fallen into the river in the Teendhara area. Acting swiftly, an SDRF team led by Sub-Inspector Sawar Singh proceeded to the spot.
On reaching the site, the team found that the pickup had completely submerged in the river and was not visible on the surface. Subsequently, another rescue team from the Dhalwala post, led by Sub-Inspector Deepak Joshi, was also dispatched to assist in the operation.
Relief and rescue operations were intensified at the scene. SDRF teams initiated a search operation in the river with the help of rafts, while deep divers were deployed to conduct an intensive underwater search to locate the submerged vehicle and trace the possible occupants.
Officials stated that it is not yet clear whether only three persons were travelling in the vehicle or if the number could be higher. The identities of the missing persons and their place of residence have also not been confirmed so far.
The administration has initiated efforts to gather information from nearby areas and is claiming to be maintaining heightened vigilance. The search and rescue operation is ongoing and further updates and details are awaited.