Bus Overturns in Himachal Pradesh, Injuring 15 Passengers

Serious Bus Accident in Himachal Pradesh

Munish Sood
Mandi

On Sunday morning, a private bus overturned near Niyazpur in the Nurpur subdivision of Himachal Pradesh, resulting in injuries to at least 15 passengers, several of whom are in critical condition. The bus, which was transporting over 40 individuals, was en route from Chamba to Una when the incident occurred around 11 am.

Preliminary reports indicate that the bus, operating under the 'Devi Darshan' service, left Chamba around 6:30 am. The accident transpired near a Shani Dev temple in Niyazpur, where the vehicle lost control and flipped over, causing panic among those onboard.

Local residents were the first responders, initiating rescue efforts by extracting injured passengers from the overturned bus. Police and administrative personnel soon arrived to assist, and the injured were transported to Civil Hospital in Nurpur for medical attention.

Initial assessments suggest that the driver may have experienced a cardiac event, resulting in the loss of control. However, some injured passengers reported that the bus was traveling at a high speed, and a loud noise—believed to be a tyre burst—was heard just before the accident. Authorities have yet to confirm the precise cause and have launched an investigation into the matter.

Medical sources have reported that over 15 passengers are receiving treatment, with at least five in serious condition. Most of the injured are thought to be from the Chamba district.

Another Incident in Quick Succession

This accident follows a tragic event just a day prior in Himachal Pradesh, where four women teachers lost their lives in the Ani subdivision of Kullu district when a tree fell on their vehicle during a storm. Two other teachers and the driver were injured in that incident, which occurred as they were returning home from school.

These consecutive incidents have raised significant concerns regarding road safety and the risks posed by natural disasters in the state's mountainous regions. Authorities are expected to reassess safety protocols as investigations into both events progress.