A private passenger bus overturned and plunged onto a lower road in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday morning, leaving at least eight people dead and ten others injured.
The deceased include the bus driver and conductor. Authorities fear the casualty count could rise as rescue personnel continue clearing the wreckage.
Details of the Incident
The crash took place around 7:15 AM near Chalunj Mor in the Devikothi area along the Bairagarh–Tissa road.
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Route: Operated by Sharma Bus Service, the vehicle was traveling from Bairagarh toward Chamba town.
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Crash Dynamics: Just 3 kilometers into its journey, the driver lost control while negotiating a bend on the mountain road, causing the bus to overturn and fall onto a road level below, trapping several passengers underneath.
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Passenger Count: Official estimates indicate approximately 18 passengers were on board at the time of the impact.
Rescue Operations and Medical Response
Hearing cries for help, local villagers were the first to respond, aiding victims and notifying emergency services.
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Joint Mission: A multi-agency task force—comprising the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Himachal Pradesh Police, Home Guards, Fire Services, and state Revenue Department personnel—was mobilized for search and extraction efforts.
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Critical Care: All 10 injured passengers were initially stabilized locally; six sustaining severe injuries were referred to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital in Chamba for specialized treatment.
Investigation & Mountain Road Vulnerabilities
The Chamba District Disaster Management Authority and local police have launched an investigation to establish the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary checks are examining whether mechanical failure—such as a broken axle—or driver error played a role.
The 27-kilometer Bairagarh–Tissa stretch in Churah Valley is notorious for its narrow lanes, sharp turns, and steep drop-offs, serving as a primary transit route toward the high-altitude Sach Pass.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed their condolences over the tragic loss of lives, with the Chief Minister directing local authorities to ensure immediate and comprehensive medical assistance for all survivors.
