In a major accident, 21 passengers were killed when a Himachal Roadways bus rolled down into a valley about 40 km from here.
District police chief DW Negi, who was supervising the rescue and relief operation at the accident site over phone, said five injured persons, who were rescued, were shifted to IGMC Hospital, Shimla. “In all there were 26 passengers in the bus of which 21 died on the spot,” said Negi.
Immediate reason of the accident could not be known. Over the past 48 hours the region has been witnessing heavy rain which caused major landslides, disrupting traffic in many parts of the State.
The State transport bus (HRTC) was on its way from Shimla to Savera Khad in the Sunni area. The accident is reported to have taken place near Basantpur area on a narrow but well-maintained road that is under the jurisdiction of Border Roads Organisation.
Having lost control, the bus rolled about 400 metres into a steep inclined valley, killing most of the passengers along the way.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Urmila Singh and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh have expressed grief over the death of 21 passengers. The CM directed the administration to provide immediate relief to the next of kin of the deceased and those injured in the accident.