Himachal Pradesh: 14 killed, over 20 injured after bus falls into 500-foot deep gorge

About 14 people have been killed and over 20 injured in a bus accident in Himachal Pradesh on Friday. According to reports, the accident occured after a private bus fell into a 500-foot deep gorge in Sirmaur district.

The bus was reportedly travelling from Shimla to Kupvi via Rajgarh and plunged into the gorge near Haripurdhar village, and landed upside down at the accident site.

Rescue Operation Underway

Investigation reports indicate that the bus was overloaded at the time of the crash, carrying passengers well beyond its approved seating capacity of 39. However, the exact number of passengers on board is yet to be confirmed.

Sangrah Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sunil Kayath said that rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing.

Police launches an investigation

Locals suspect the driver may have lost control of the vehicle due to the frost, and the bus skidded into the gorge. Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the accident and assured all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and ensured proper medical care for those injured.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the family and announced an ex gratia of Ras 2 lakh to the deceased.