14 Killed, 52 Injured as Overcrowded Bus Plunges 500 Feet into Gorge in Himachal’s Sirmaur
Shimla / Sirmaur: A devastating road accident claimed at least 14 lives and left 52 others injured in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district on Friday, after a private bus travelling from Shimla to Kupvi plunged into a nearly 500-foot-deep gorge. Among the injured, the condition of nine passengers—including a young girl—has been described as critical.
Officials said the bus departed from Shimla at around 7:30 am on Friday for Kupvi. The vehicle, which had a seating capacity of 39 passengers, was reportedly carrying far more people than permitted.
At around 3 pm, just about 100 metres before Haripurdhar market, the bus lost control and veered off the road, tumbling into the deep gorge.
As news of the accident spread, residents rushed to the spot and immediately began rescue operations, even before official teams arrived.
Shortly thereafter, police, district administration officials, and health department teams reached the site and launched a coordinated rescue and evacuation effort.
According to the official list released by the administration, 14 passengers died in the crash, while 52 sustained injuries.
Authorities said that due to their critical condition, nine injured passengers—including a minor girl—were referred to Dr Y.S. Parmar Government Medical College in Nahan and Indira Gandhi Medical College.
One of the injured succumbed to injuries during treatment at the Nahan hospital.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Sangrah, Sunil Kaith, said that the remaining injured were taken to hospitals in Sangrah and Dadahu.
He added that most of the passengers on board were residents of Kupvi, Sirmaur and the Haripurdhar region.
Fog and Frost Suspected as Cause
Officials stated that the exact cause of the accident is yet to be established. However, locals informed authorities that the stretch of road where the crash occurred was engulfed in dense fog.
Additionally, frost had formed on the road surface, raising the possibility that poor visibility and slippery conditions caused the bus to skid and plunge into the gorge.
Chief Minister Expresses Grief
Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.
He directed district authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and the best possible medical treatment for the injured. Industry Minister and Shillai MLA Harshwardhan Chauhan said the district administration had been put on high alert, and doctors at nearby hospitals were kept ready to deal with the emergency.
Union Minister Nadda, Other Leaders Condole
Shimla: BJP national president and Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda also expressed grief over the accident. Condolences were also offered by Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Assembly Jai Ram Thakur, BJP state president Rajeev Bindal, Shimla MP Suresh Kashyap, and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri.
Prime Minister Announces Ex Gratia, President Mourns
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives in the Sirmaur bus accident. In a message posted by the Prime Minister’s Office on X,
He said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
He announced anex gratiaa of ₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to each of the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed grief over the incident and conveyed her condolences to the affected families.
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