8 dead,13 hurt as bus rolls down near Chamera dam in Chamba

Chamba, Feb 21 (UNI) Eight people, including two women, were killed and 13 others injured when a private bus carrying them rolled down near Bhalai Mata temple near Brangal village in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh today.

The driver Suresh Kumar (32) and conductor Bobby (26) were among those killed, Deputy Commissioner Pushpinder Rajput, who is overseeing the rescue operations, told UNI.

The bus, which fell off the mountainous road, broke apart near Chamera Dam. Earlier, report had stated that the vehicles and its occupants had fallen into the waters.

The private bus was on its way from Chamba to the Bhalai Mata temple. The exact number of people on board could not be ascertained but it was believed that there were 18 to 20 people in the bus.

Of the eight deceased, six have been identified, including the driver and conductor. Others are Ms Kamla (45), Ms Chanchal (30), Khetri Lal (27) and Bihari Lal (50).

While five people died on the spot, three succumbed to grievous injuries while on way to the hospital, the DC said.

The 13 injured have been referred to zonal hospital, Chamba and the seriously injured to Pathankot.

Himachal Pradesh Governor V S Kokje and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh expressed grief over the accident and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Transport Minister G S Bali said that an amout of Rs one lakh would be given to the next of kin of deceased under Passenger Ex-gratia Scheme.

The DC has already ordered ex-gratia relief of Rs 10,000 to the families of the deceased, Rs 5000 for the injured and Rs 2000 for those who have sustained minor injuries.

The DC has also ordered a Magisterial inquiry into the accident, the cause of which was so far not clear. The probe will be headed by SDM Tissa, Rajiv Kumar.

UNI