Seven killed, 11 injured as private bus overturns in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district
According to police officials, the bus had travelled only a short distance from Bairagarh when the accident occurred.
A private bus traveling from Bairagarh to Chamba in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district flipped over and plummeted onto a road below, resulting in seven fatalities and eleven injuries. The tragic accident occurred on Saturday morning at 7:15 am. Police received alerts from locals who heard the passengers' cries for help and promptly informed the authorities.
The bus was en route from Bairagarh, 90km from the district headquarters, to Chamba near Chalunj Mor, a challenging 27km mountain road infamous for its narrow paths and steep drop-offs. This particular stretch of road is crucial for reaching the high-altitude Sach Pass. The Chamba Superintendent of Police, Vijay Saklani, confirmed that upon hearing the passengers' distress, locals quickly arrived to assist and alert the police.
Initial investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, which took place amidst heavy rainfall in the region. The deceased, whose identities have been confirmed, were Jagdev Sharma (50), Desraj (35), Jagdei (24) and Hardei (45) from Bahla village; Tej Singh (30) from Satyas village; Neelam (34) from Devikothi village; and Rup Singh (35), the bus driver from Chilli village.
The injured passengers were transferred to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Six of the critically injured were subsequently transported to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital in Chamba for specialized care. A joint rescue and relief operation was initiated, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state police, Home Guards, fire services, and the revenue department.
To cope with the ongoing monsoon-induced disruptions, including road blockages and damage to public infrastructure, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed the district administration to ensure immediate admission of the injured to the nearest hospitals for proper treatment. This incident further compounds the ongoing toll of disasters and road accidents in Himachal Pradesh due to the persistent monsoon rains.
Since June 30, the state has recorded 66 disaster-related deaths, with Lahaul and Spiti accounting for the highest number at 14, followed by Kangra with 11. Additionally, 86 individuals have succumbed to separate traffic accidents during the same period. The region has also witnessed two missing persons, 240 injuries, and the death of 197 livestock animals.
The extensive weather-related damage has caused significant losses to both public and private infrastructure, with an estimated cost of around ₹834 crore. The public works department has borne the highest losses, estimated at over ₹61,585 lakh, followed by the jal shakti vibhag with losses exceeding ₹19,986 lakh.
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