Himachal Pradesh Bus Accident Injures Multiple Passengers Amid Rising Road Safety Concerns

Bus Accident in Mandi District

Munish Sood
Mandi

A recent road accident in Himachal Pradesh has once again highlighted the alarming frequency of such incidents in the region this year. On Tuesday morning, a bus operated by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) was involved in an accident in the Sarkaghat subdivision of Mandi district, resulting in injuries to approximately 15 to 18 passengers.

The incident took place on the Gobhadta–Nili route, close to Havani village within the Samsoh panchayat area, when the bus lost control and veered off the road, landing in adjacent fields. The vehicle was en route from Gobhadta to Sarkaghat via Maseran at around 8 am when the mishap occurred.

At the time of the accident, the bus was carrying nearly 15 to 18 individuals. The driver sustained more severe injuries compared to the passengers, most of whom are reported to be in stable condition.

Local residents quickly responded to the scene, initiating a rescue operation. The injured were extracted from the damaged bus and transported to Sarkaghat Hospital in private vehicles for immediate medical attention.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sanjeev Gautam confirmed the occurrence of the accident, stating that a police team has arrived at the location to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. He mentioned, “All injured passengers are receiving treatment at Sarkaghat Hospital. We are working to determine the precise cause of the accident.”

Concerns Over Road Safety in Himachal Pradesh

This latest incident adds to a troubling trend of significant road accidents in Himachal Pradesh since the start of the year, raising critical questions about road safety, traffic management, and vehicle maintenance in the hilly terrain.

Earlier this year, three young individuals tragically lost their lives in Kullu while returning from a New Year’s celebration. On January 8, a devastating bus accident in the Haripurdhar area of Sirmaur district resulted in 14 fatalities. Additionally, in Mandi district, a collision between a car and a bus claimed three lives, while four youths died in Kangra’s Baijnath area when their vehicle fell into a deep gorge. Another accident in Chamba district resulted in two deaths.

In addition to road accidents, two significant fire incidents were reported in Arki and Sirmaur districts, further emphasizing the growing safety issues in the state.

The series of accidents has reignited discussions about the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, regular vehicle inspections, and enhanced road safety measures throughout Himachal Pradesh.