Iconic ‘Into The Wild’ Bus Removed By Alaskan Officials For Safety Purposes

Back in 1996, John Krakauer immortalised an abandoned bus in the Alaska wilderness in his book ‘Into the Wild’. The book tracked the true-life story of adventurer Chris McCandless, who died out of starvation in an abandoned bus in the Alaska Wilderness. Later in 2007, this bus again became popular in Sean Penn’s feature film ‘Into the Wild’. Over the years this ‘Into The Wild’ Bus attracted travellers from all across the world. They trekked across remote locations with hardly any connectivity just to experience this thrill. And now Alaskan officials airlifted the bus to prevent travellers who might spark danger upon themselves. In the past few years, at least two hikers died and over a dozen more rescued while in pursuit of this bus. Alaskan officials removed the bus to prevent any dangers to travellers.

The Story Behind The ‘Into The Wild’ Bus

“Into the Wild” follows the story of a 24-year-old wanderer Chris McCandless who died inside an abandoned bus in 1992 after a 114-day stay. He kept a journal of his plight after the nearby Teklanika River swelled. And he was unable to hike out of the area. This incident took place at The Stampede Trail area that lies north of Denali National Park and Preserves.

Also Read: A Thrill Ride Over India’s Oldest &; Most Dangerous Seabridge, Pamban Bridge

This area is so remote that it does not have cellphone service and has unpredictable weather and at-times swollen rivers. Many travellers tried to follow the footsteps of McCandless. Some were rescued while others died. The decision to remove the bus came after the rescue of five Italian tourists this year. The death of a woman from Belarus in 2019 also promoted this decision. When it comes to dangerous places, Maharashtra’s Kalavantin Durg is the most dangerous fort in the world. 

Alaska Officials Airlifted The ‘Into The Wild’ Bus Citing Safety Issues

Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources and the Alaska Army National Guard, in a joint effort, removed the bus by helicopter from the remote side of the Teklanika River near Healy. Commissioner Corri A Feige states in a press release from Alaska Army National Guard “After studying the issue closely, prioritising public safety and considering a variety of alternatives, we decided it was best to remove the bus from its location on the Stampede Trail.” Dangerous treks and destinations attract thrill-seekers and for the year 2020, Vietnam is said to have some of the most dangerous roads in the world. 

‘Into The Wild’ Bus To Be Made Available For Public Display At A Different Location

According to the Alaska Army National Guard, the crew removed a suitcase from the bus. This suitcase held sentimental value to the McCandless family. It didn’t contain the journal of Chris McCandless. But it contains journals left by the family members during their own journeys to the bus. The Department of Natural Resources states that a construction company used the 1940s-era bus to house employees during work on an access road in the area. They abandoned the bus when the work finished in 1961. In another story, a German couple converted an abandoned school bus into a gorgeous house on wheels. 

Feige said the bus is going to a secure location and the DNR is considering all options and alternatives for its permanent disposition.  Dan Saddler, a spokesman for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources states to the New York Times, “Mostly, we’re glad that we’ve taken action that will avoid future deaths and injuries and search-and-rescue costs.” He revealed that while the state officials hadn’t decided what to do with the bus, they are considering making it available for public display. Travelling is fun undoubtedly, but it’s always advisable to put safety first.