A catastrophic bus plunge in Himachal Pradesh has left a trail of devastation, killing several passengers and injuring many others. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, deeply moved by the tragedy, has expressed his anguish and announced substantial financial aid for the victims.
The mishap unfolded when a crowded bus lost control on a sharp bend and tumbled down a steep valley. Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene of twisted metal and cries for help echoing through the hills. Rescue teams battled slippery slopes and falling debris to reach the site.
In an emotional message, PM Modi said, ‘Heartbreaking accident in Himachal Pradesh. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover swiftly.’ He emphasized the pain felt by every Indian witnessing such loss of life.
Acting decisively, the Prime Minister declared ex-gratia payments: Rs 2 lakhs to the next of kin of those who perished and Rs 50,000 for each injured person. These funds, sourced from the PMNRF, will be disbursed without delay through state mechanisms.
The state government has ordered a magisterial inquiry to ascertain the cause, focusing on vehicle maintenance, driver fatigue, and infrastructure lapses. Roads in Himachal, vital for tourism and connectivity, often become death traps during monsoons or due to landslides.
Community leaders and locals have rallied to support rescue and relief efforts. Blood donation camps and counseling services are being arranged for traumatized survivors. This tragedy reignites debates on mandatory safety audits for public transport in sensitive terrains.
PM Modi’s intervention brings hope amid despair, reinforcing the central government’s role as a pillar of strength. As investigations continue, the focus remains on healing wounds and preventing future calamities through better road engineering and enforcement.