44 passngers killed in bus accident in HP

Shimla, Nov 4 (UNI) As many as 44 passengers were killed and six others were seriously injured when a private bus rolled 300-metre down into a gorge near Lambi Dhar, between the tourist resort of Kufri and Fagu, in the district this morning.

Shimla SP, R N Sharma has confirmed the death of 44 persons.

While 43 were cofirmed dead on the spot, one of the injured scummbed to his injuries at the IGMC hospital here.

Mr Sharma alongwith the SDM and other senior officials are at the spot of the mishap. A team of doctors are also at the spot.

Official sources said that the post mortem of 43 bodies will be conducted at a convienent place close to the spot from where the bus fell into the gorge.

Police sources here said rescue teams, including those of the army and the ITBP reached the spot and are assisting the civil administration in the rescue operations and in retreaving the bodies of the victims. However the possibility of survivors other than the six injured seems remote.

The bus with around 50 passengers which was badly damaged in the fall was on its way from Kotighat to Shimla. The injured have been brought to the IGMC hospital here where their condition was stated to be serious.

Meanwhile Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal have expressed shock and grief over the tragedy. He announced an exgratia of Rs 50,000 for the next of kin of the deceased while the injured would be treated free of cost.

A large number of family members and relatives of the deceased have reached the spot.

UNI XC HS VN1440