Eight Dead After Bus Plunges Into Gorge In Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh: Eight Killed, Several Injured After Bus Falls Into Gorge in Sirmaur
A tragic road accident in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district claimed at least eight lives and left several others injured when a private bus fell into a deep gorge near Haripurdhar on Friday morning.

The bus, which was travelling from Kupvi to Shimla, lost control and plunged down the steep hillside, leading to a major rescue operation in the area.

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Nishchint Singh Negi, there were around 30 to 35 passengers on board when the incident occurred. "Eight deaths have been confirmed so far. The number of casualties may increase as rescue teams continue their work," he said.

Local villagers were the first to reach the accident site. Videos and photos from the scene showed residents helping police and emergency personnel in pulling injured passengers out of the wreckage. Several people were rushed to nearby hospitals with serious injuries.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Police, medical teams, and local administration officials arrived at the scene soon after receiving the information. SP Nishchint Singh Negi said that the rescue operations were ongoing and that the injured were being shifted to nearby hospitals in Higher Sangrah, Dadahu, and Nahan for treatment.

The condition of at least five passengers is said to be critical. Due to the location of the accident, rescue efforts have been difficult, as the bus fell into a narrow and deep valley surrounded by rough terrain.

The cause of the accident is not yet known. However, initial reports suggest that the bus may have skidded off the road due to sharp turns and poor visibility in the hilly area. Authorities are investigating whether speeding or mechanical failure played a role.

Chief Minister Expresses Grief

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. He directed district officials to provide immediate assistance to the victims' families and ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in this unfortunate accident. My prayers are with the families of the deceased, and I wish a speedy recovery for those injured," the Chief Minister said in a statement.

Industry Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan also instructed local authorities to make proper arrangements for the treatment of the injured passengers and to monitor their condition closely.

This latest tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers of driving on hilly roads in Himachal Pradesh, where sharp turns, narrow routes, and unpredictable weather often make travel risky. Officials have urged all transport operators to follow safety guidelines strictly to prevent such accidents in the future.