A horrific bus accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district has claimed 14 lives and left 35 others injured after the vehicle plunged into a deep gorge. The tragedy unfolded on a treacherous mountain road, highlighting the perils of travel in the hilly terrain.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the overcrowded bus lost control on a sharp bend near Paonta Sahib. It veered off the road and tumbled over 200 feet into the ravine below. Rescue teams, including police, fire services, and local volunteers, rushed to the spot amid heavy rain, complicating efforts.
Among the victims were families returning from a local fair, pilgrims, and daily wage workers. The driver, who survived with critical injuries, reportedly tried to apply brakes but couldn’t prevent the skid. Preliminary investigations point to brake failure combined with speeding as possible causes.
Medical teams airlifted the most severely injured to Shimla’s advanced trauma center. Hospitals in Nahan and Paonta Sahib are overwhelmed with casualties. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed grief and announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for each deceased’s family and free treatment for the injured.
This incident reignites debates on road safety in Himachal’s fragile ecosystem. Narrow roads, frequent landslides, and overloaded vehicles remain persistent threats. Authorities have ordered a thorough probe and immediate vehicle inspections across the state to avert future disasters.