Himachal Bus Accident Site (Img: Pinterest)
Chamba: Eight people, along with the driver and conductor, died while ten more people got injured when a private passenger bus met with an unfortunate accident in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday morning.
The accident occurred at Chalunj Mor in the Devikothi area on the Bairagarh Tissa Road, when the bus belonging to Sharma Bus Service was heading for Chamba from Bairagarh.
The officials informed that the bus departed from Bairagarh at about 6:30 am and went down the gorge after it covered almost three kilometres.
Preliminary information suggests that the bus lost control while negotiating a turn and overturned before falling onto a road located below the accident site.
The vehicle was carrying 18 passengers at the time of the crash. Several passengers were trapped inside the badly damaged bus following the accident.
Local residents rushed to the spot after hearing cries for help and informed the authorities. Rescue teams immediately launched an operation to evacuate passengers.
A rescue mission was conducted jointly by NDRF, Police, Home Guards, Fire Service and Revenue Departments personnel.
It is reported that ten people with injuries have been taken and rushed to the nearest hospitals for their treatment. Among them six people having severe injuries have been admitted to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital, Chamba.
The names of deceased persons in the incident have not yet been officially revealed.
The Chamba District Disaster Management Authority confirmed the death toll and said an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The Bairagarh-Tissa road, a 27-kilometre mountain route in the remote Churah Valley, is known for its narrow roads, sharp turns and steep slopes. The route serves as an important link for people travelling towards the high-altitude Sach Pass region.
Authorities are continuing relief and rescue operations while further details are awaited.
