Chamba: At least eight people, including the driver and conductor, were killed and 10 others injured after a private bus overturned and fell onto a lower road in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday morning. The accident occurred near Chalunj Mor in the Devikothi area along the Bairagarh-Tissa road.
The bus, operated by Sharma Bus Service, was travelling from Bairagarh towards Chamba. Officials said it had left Bairagarh at around 6.30 am and met with the accident after travelling approximately three kilometres.
The vehicle was carrying 18 passengers when it overturned and fell onto a road below, trapping some people beneath the wreckage.
Rescue teams rushed to the spot
Local residents who heard cries for help alerted the authorities and assisted in the initial rescue efforts. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, Home Guards, Fire Services and the Revenue Department joined the operation to rescue passengers and shift the injured to hospitals.
Of the 10 injured people, six reportedly sustained serious injuries and were referred to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital in Chamba for further treatment.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of those who died in the accident.
Investigation underway
The crash occurred on the mountainous Bairagarh-Tissa route, a challenging road through the remote Churah Valley. The route is also an important link for travellers heading towards the high-altitude Sach Pass.
Officials have launched an investigation to determine what caused the bus to overturn. The exact circumstances leading to the accident have not yet been established.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the risks associated with road travel on mountainous routes, where narrow roads, steep terrain and difficult driving conditions can make emergency response particularly challenging.
