A tragic bus accident in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district claimed at least 14 lives and left 52 others injured on Friday. The private bus, carrying passengers, veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near Haripurdhar.
Details of the Haripurdhar Bus Tragedy
The ill-fated 39-seater bus was travelling from Shimla to Kupvi via Rajgarh. Approximately 140 kilometres into its journey, the vehicle apparently lost control and rolled down the hillside into a 500-metre-deep gorge. Among the 14 deceased were seven women and two children. Police officials confirmed that one woman victim was yet to be identified at the time of reporting.
The victims hailed from several areas, highlighting the widespread impact of the single incident. Nine of the deceased were from Kupvi tehsil in Shimla district. The others belonged to Ronhat, Dadahu, Nauradhar, and Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district itself.
Immediate Rescue and Medical Response
Local residents were the first responders, rushing to the scene to pull survivors from the wreckage before police and official rescue teams could arrive. The injured were initially taken to hospitals in nearby Dadahu and Sangrah. Those in critical condition were later transferred to better-equipped facilities like Nahan Medical College and Solan Civil Hospital for advanced care.
Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the accident. Regional Transport Officer Sona Chandel stated that the bus owner possessed all mandatory documents. The vehicle had a valid permit until July 8, 2029, a fitness certificate valid till February 14, and insurance coverage until February 12.
National Condolences and Official Actions
The horrific accident drew condolences from the highest levels of the country. President Droupadi Murmu expressed her grief, terming the incident "extremely heartbreaking." Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed district authorities to provide all possible assistance to the families of the victims. He also instructed officials to ensure the best available medical care for the survivors.
This tragic event underscores the perennial dangers of hill road travel in the region, especially on remote routes. The community's swift action in rescue efforts and the government's prompt medical response were crucial in managing the aftermath of one of the state's recent worst road accidents.
