Sirmaur: At least eight people were killed and several others injured after a private passenger bus plunged into a deep gorge near Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district on Friday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation in the remote hill region.
The bus, reportedly operated by a private company and identified in several reports as Jeet Coach, was travelling on a hilly route in the Sirmaur region when the driver allegedly lost control on a narrow and slippery stretch of road. The vehicle veered off the road, overturned, and fell into a gorge estimated to be between 60 feet and several hundred feet deep, leaving the bus completely mangled.
Foggy Weather, Slippery Roads Suspected
Preliminary information suggests that dense fog, cold weather conditions, and the steep gradient of the road may have contributed to the accident. The area around Haripurdhar is known for sharp turns and limited visibility during winter, significantly increasing the risk of such mishaps.
There were an estimated 30 to 50 passengers on board at the time of the accident. While early reports put the death toll at seven, officials later confirmed that at least eight people had lost their lives. Authorities cautioned that the toll could rise as rescue and identification efforts continue.
Villagers lead rescue efforts
Local residents from nearby villages were the first to reach the site and played a crucial role in pulling injured passengers out of the gorge in extremely difficult terrain.
Police, district administration officials, and medical teams later joined the operation.
Nishchint Singh Negi, Superintendent of Police, Sirmaur, reached the accident site to supervise rescue efforts. An emergency alert was issued, and ambulances were pressed into service to transport the injured.
Injured shifted to multiple hospitals
The injured were taken to hospitals in Haripurdhar, Dadahu, Sangrah, and Nahan, while some seriously injured passengers were referred to higher medical centres. Doctors said several passengers sustained critical injuries and are undergoing treatment.
Leaders Express Grief
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the tragedy, calling it “extremely heartbreaking.”
He directed district authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and ordered immediate assistance to the families of the deceased.
Renukaji MLA and State Congress President Vinay Kumar described the incident as “extremely painful” and appealed to party workers and local volunteers to assist in relief and support efforts. Leaders across party lines, including BJP leaders, also condoled the deaths and acknowledged the role of local residents in rescue operations.
The accident once again highlights the persistent safety challenges on Himachal Pradesh’s hill roads, particularly during winter months when fog, rain, and icy conditions severely reduce visibility and road grip. Despite repeated warnings, bus accidents in remote mountain areas continue to claim lives due to difficult terrain and weather-related risks.
Authorities said a detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, including road conditions, vehicle fitness, and driver conduct.
As rescue operations concluded late in the day, the district administration said all necessary support would be extended to affected families.
