14 killed in bus accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur

Bus Accident in Himachal Pradesh Claims Lives

At least 14 people, including the driver and a minor girl, were killed and more than 52 injured after a private bus plunged into a 100-metre-deep gorge near Haripurdhar in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district on Friday, police said.

Details of the Accident

The private bus was traveling from Kupvi to Shimla when it fell into the gorge near Haripurdhar. The accident occurred when the bus veered off the road and landed upside down near Haripurdhar village, about 95 kilometres from the district headquarters, Nahan. The bus was carrying over 60 passengers, according to police officers.

Casualties and Injuries

Six people died on the spot, while eight others succumbed to injuries during treatment. Several injured passengers are reported to be in critical condition, and the death toll may rise.

Rescue Operations

Local residents quickly reached the site, alerted authorities, and began rescue operations. Eyewitnesses noted that the bus was completely damaged in the accident. Many passengers were returning to their villages for the upcoming Maghi festival.

Official Statements

Sirmaur superintendent of police Nishchit Negi confirmed 14 deaths and mentioned that the death toll may increase. He noted that there were around 45 passengers on board. Rescue and evacuation operations were launched immediately, with police and emergency response teams rushing to the scene.

Medical Assistance

Sangrah sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Sunil Kayath stated that the rescue is ongoing and the injured are being taken to nearby Sangrah and Dadahu hospitals. Sirmaur DC Priyanka indicated that the accident occurred when the bus, carrying passengers above its capacity, skidded.

Government Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi expressed their grief over the incident. The PM announced ex-gratia financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 each for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Local Officials’ Actions

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed sorrow over the loss of life and directed district authorities to assist the families of the deceased and provide the best medical care to the injured. State Industry Minister and local MLA Harshwardhan Chauhan stated that the district administration is on alert and medical teams are ready to handle the emergency.

Political Reactions

State Congress president Vinay Kumar canceled his programs to visit the accident site. BJP MP from Shimla, Suresh Kashyap, visited the injured at the community health center and ensured that the administration would provide all possible help. Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur criticized the poor condition of health facilities in the state while expressing his condolences.