Tragic Bus Accident in Himachal Pradesh Claims One Life and Injures Many

Bus Plunges into Gorge in Mandi District

Mandi, June 17: A devastating incident unfolded in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday morning when a passenger bus fell into a gorge approximately 200 feet deep, resulting in one fatality and injuring around 20 to 25 individuals.

The accident occurred around 9 a.m. in the Kalkhar region while the bus was traveling from Baldwara to Mandi.

Initial reports suggest that one individual lost their life after being trapped under the bus. Local residents promptly alerted the authorities, leading to the swift arrival of police and rescue teams to the scene to commence relief operations.

Despite the ongoing rainfall complicating the rescue efforts, the injured were extricated from the wreckage and brought to safety with assistance from locals and police.

Those sustaining severe injuries were transported to Nerchowk Medical College, while others received treatment at the Community Health Centre in Rewalsar.

A crane was utilized to lift the bus and rescue the driver, who was also caught inside the vehicle.

Authorities believe that the accident was likely caused by the driver losing control of the overloaded bus on the slick, rain-drenched road.

Preliminary investigations indicate that both the bus's poor condition and the driver's negligence may have contributed to the tragedy.

Officials highlighted that the bus was exceeding its passenger capacity despite the adverse weather conditions and the area's notoriously treacherous roads.

As the bus careened down the gorge, it overturned, burying several passengers beneath it.

The challenging weather also hindered parts of the rescue operation.

The district administration has initiated an inquiry to ascertain the precise cause of the accident, with investigations currently underway and further updates expected.