Tragedy struck Himachal Pradesh when a passenger bus hurtled into a gorge in Sirmaur district, killing 14 people and injuring 35 in one of the state’s deadliest accidents this year. The crash occurred on the vital Paonta Sahib-Nahan highway, a route notorious for its hairpin turns.
The bus, carrying over 60 passengers, reportedly suffered a tire burst while navigating a steep incline. It somersaulted down the hillside, ejecting passengers and mangling the vehicle beyond recognition. Frantic calls from survivors alerted authorities, who deployed helicopters for rescue operations.
Local residents formed human chains to pull out trapped victims from the wreckage. The death toll rose as some succumbed to injuries en route to hospitals. Women and children were among the hardest hit, with graphic images of the devastation circulating on social media.
District officials confirmed that most injured are stable, though several remain critical with fractures and internal bleeding. The state government has launched an inquiry into the bus’s fitness certificate and driver’s credentials. Compensation packages include ex-gratia payments and job assurances for dependents.
Experts call for urgent infrastructure upgrades, including wider roads and early warning systems for mechanical faults. As Himachal gears up for tourist season, this accident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost behind scenic drives. Political leaders from across parties have condoled the loss, demanding stricter enforcement of traffic rules.