Tragic Bus Plunge Near Himachal-Uttarakhand Border Claims Three Lives
A devastating road accident occurred on Tuesday when a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus plunged into a nearly 60-metre-deep gorge in Uttarakhand, resulting in three fatalities and leaving 33 passengers injured. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the perils of mountainous road travel.
Details of the Fatal Journey and Rescue Efforts
The ill-fated bus was carrying 36 individuals, including the driver and conductor, traveling from Chaupal in Shimla district to Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district via Vikasnagar. According to preliminary reports, the accident took place at Kwanu near Shodoi Khad, close to the Himachal-Uttarakhand border. The driver was navigating a narrow stretch of road and attempted to give way to another vehicle when the road embankment suddenly collapsed, causing the bus to tumble into the deep gorge.
Local residents were the first responders, rushing to the scene to rescue passengers trapped inside the mangled vehicle. Their swift action likely prevented further casualties. Emergency response teams from the district administration, HRTC, and police later arrived to coordinate relief operations.
Victims Identified and Medical Response
The three deceased passengers have been identified as Richa (30) from Bijmal village, and Yasmin (38) and Dhan Bahadur from Kiyrla village in Nerwa tehsil. Dhan Bahadur was a native of Nepal. The injured were rushed to multiple medical facilities for treatment.
- 18 injured passengers were admitted to the civil hospital in Vikasnagar.
- 11 individuals, including driver Dinesh, were taken to two private hospitals in Vikasnagar.
- Four passengers were transported to the civil hospital in Paonta Sahib.
Officials have reported that the condition of several injured passengers remains critical, raising concerns about the potential for the death toll to increase.
Political Leadership Responds to the Tragedy
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives and instructed officials to arrange helicopter services, if necessary, for the swift evacuation of critically injured passengers. This directive underscores the urgency of the medical response in the challenging terrain.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the transport portfolio, appealed to the Uttarakhand government to extend all possible assistance to the injured. This cross-border cooperation is crucial for effective disaster management in the region.
Ongoing Relief and Investigation Efforts
HRTC teams from Shimla and Sirmaur districts have been dispatched to the accident site to assist with rescue and recovery operations. Additionally, officials including the sub-divisional magistrate, DSP, and regional transport officer from Nahan have been directed to oversee relief efforts and investigate the cause of the embankment collapse.
The incident has raised serious questions about road safety infrastructure in mountainous areas, particularly near state borders where maintenance responsibilities might be complex. As the community mourns the victims, authorities are focused on providing medical care to the injured and ensuring such tragedies are prevented in the future.
