Shimla: An SUV carrying eight students from Government School Devat fell into a gorge near Shantha village in Chaupal, Shimla district, while the children were returning home from school. The accident killed an 11-year-old girl and injured seven others. The vehicle reportedly skidded off the road, while authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the accident.
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Vehicle Fitness and Safety Checks Under Question
The accident has raised questions over whether the vehicle had undergone mandatory fitness checks, driver verification and safety inspections before carrying schoolchildren.
Authorities will need to establish when officials last inspected the vehicle, whether it met the required safety standards and whether they properly monitored its compliance.
The incident also highlights the risks associated with school transport in hilly areas, where difficult road conditions and steep terrain can worsen the consequences of vehicle-related accidents.
Emergency Healthcare Also Under Scrutiny
The injured children reached Civil Hospital Chaupal, but reports said the facility did not have an X-ray service.
Reports also pointed to an ambulance shortage during the transfer of seriously injured children to Shimla. Some children reportedly travelled in private vehicles.
The incident has therefore raised questions about both preventive safety measures and emergency medical preparedness in the area.
The administration has provided ₹20,000 to the deceased student’s family and ₹5,000 to each injured child. Police have registered a case and started an investigation.
The investigation will establish the cause of the accident and determine responsibility. Authorities will also have to clarify when officials last inspected the vehicle and whether Chaupal had adequate emergency medical facilities.
