In a heart-wrenching incident, 14 lives were lost and 35 injured when a bus plunged into a deep khud in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district. The accident, which happened late evening, has sent shockwaves through the region known for its picturesque yet perilous roads.
The vehicle was en route from Paonta Sahib to Shimla when it skidded off a slippery curve, possibly due to wet conditions from recent monsoon showers. Rescue operations stretched into the night, with NDRF teams using ropes and cranes to retrieve bodies from the 150-meter-deep gorge.
Heartbreaking stories emerged of survivors who lost loved ones in an instant. A young bride on her way to her in-laws and a group of schoolteachers heading home were among the deceased. The injured have been distributed across nearby medical facilities, with some undergoing surgeries.
Governor and Chief Minister visited the site, assuring comprehensive support to affected families. An magisterial inquiry is underway to ascertain if overloading or poor maintenance contributed to the mishap. Transport department has impounded similar vehicles for safety checks.
This crash underscores the urgent need for black spot elimination and driver training programs in mountainous areas. Community leaders urge installation of guardrails and CCTV surveillance. As funerals begin, Himachal mourns the irreplaceable loss, vowing to prevent such catastrophes.