Tragic Bus Accident in Himachal Pradesh Claims 13 Lives: What Happened?

Bus Accident in Sirmaur District

Nahan (HP): Authorities have confirmed that the death toll from the bus accident in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district has risen to 13, following the passing of an injured individual in the hospital, according to police reports.

On Friday afternoon, a private bus transporting 40 passengers from Shimla to Kupvi via Rajgarh veered off the road, plunging into a gorge approximately 500 feet deep in Sirmaur.

The bus overturned near Haripurdhar village, located about 95 kilometers from Nahan, the district headquarters. In addition to the fatalities, around 30 individuals sustained injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, announcing a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

"The loss of lives in the Sirmaur bus accident is deeply saddening. My condolences to the bereaved families. I am praying for the quick recovery of the injured," stated the Prime Minister's Office in a post on X.

President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her condolences, stating on X: "I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones in this tragic accident. I wish for the swift recovery of the injured."

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed his deepest sympathies and instructed district officials to provide all necessary support to the families of the victims and ensure top-notch medical care for the injured.

Various political leaders, including BJP national president and Union Health Minister J P Nadda, Leader of the Opposition in the Himachal Assembly Jai Ram Thakur, and state BJP chief Rajiv Bindal, have also expressed their sorrow over this tragedy.

Industry Minister and local MLA Harshwardhan Chauhan mentioned that the district administration is on high alert, with medical teams and doctors at Dadahu, Sangrah, and Nahan hospitals ready to assist the injured.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, with locals suggesting that the bus driver may have lost control due to frost on the road.

Videos shared on social media depict a large crowd assisting in rescue efforts, working to extricate the injured from the bus wreckage. District administration officials, police, and other responders are actively involved in the operation.

Balbir Chauhan, a local resident and member of the BJP state working committee, praised the community's efforts in rescuing passengers from the gorge under challenging conditions.

Agnihotri and Chauhan also visited the Nahan medical college to check on the injured individuals.