Private Bus Plunges into Gorge in Sirmaur, 14 Dead and 31 Injured; Chaos at Accident Site
A major road accident shook Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh on Friday when a private bus carrying passengers plunged into a deep gorge near Haripurdhar. At least 14 people lost their lives, while 31 others were injured in the tragic incident, triggering chaos and panic at the accident site.
The private bus, identified as Jeet Coach, was travelling from Shimla to Kupvi when it met with the accident in the Haripurdhar area of the Renukaji Assembly constituency. According to preliminary reports, the bus rolled off the road and fell into a nearly 200-meter-deep gorge just before Haripurdhar market. The bus was reportedly carrying passengers to full capacity at the time of the mishap.
The impact of the fall completely destroyed the bus, leaving it mangled beyond recognition. Soon after the accident, local residents rushed to the spot and began rescue operations, pulling out the injured and bodies of the deceased from the wreckage. Several videos circulating on social media show locals and volunteers actively assisting in the rescue efforts before official teams arrived.
Himachal Pradesh Bus Mishap: 14 Dead, Several Injured in Sirmaur District
Eyewitnesses and locals suspect that the driver lost control of the bus, causing it to skid off the narrow hill road and plunge into the gorge. However, the exact cause of the accident will be determined after a detailed investigation.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of lives. In a statement, the Chief Minister directed the district administration to extend all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and ensure the best medical treatment for those injured in the accident.
Sirmaur Superintendent of Police, Nischint Singh Negi, said that the death toll could rise as several injured passengers are in critical condition. “A private bus travelling from Kupvi to Shimla fell off the road near Haripurdhar. Initially, eight deaths were confirmed, but the number has since increased. Around 30 to 35 passengers were on board. Police and rescue teams are carrying out relief and rescue operations,” he said, adding that he was heading to the accident site.
Rescue operations continued for several hours in the difficult terrain, with police, administration, and local volunteers working together. The tragic accident has once again raised serious concerns over road safety on hilly routes in the region.
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