A devastating bus accident in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh has claimed the lives of at least 14 people and left over 30 injured, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The incident occurred near the remote village of Shikaru in the Paonta Sahib area, when a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge. The bus was reportedly en route from Paonta Sahib to Shilai when the tragedy struck.
Authorities have launched a massive rescue operation, with teams from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), police, and local administration working tirelessly to extricate the injured and recover the bodies. The steep terrain and dense forest cover are significantly hampering rescue efforts, requiring personnel to descend into the gorge using ropes and specialized equipment. Initial reports suggest the bus was carrying approximately 45-50 passengers at the time of the accident.
The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals in Paonta Sahib and Nahan, with several in critical condition. Hospital authorities are bracing for a potential influx of more casualties as the rescue operation continues. Arrangements have been made to transfer severely injured patients to medical facilities in Chandigarh for advanced treatment. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, but preliminary speculation points to possible driver error or mechanical failure.
PM Modi Expresses Condolence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the Himachal Pradesh bus accident. Taking to social media, PM Modi extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. He assured all possible assistance from the central government to the affected families and the state administration. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed that the PM had spoken to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, to take stock of the situation and offer support.
Chief Minister Sukhu has also announced immediate relief measures for the victims’ families, including financial assistance. He has directed the district administration to provide all necessary support to the injured and ensure proper arrangements for the transportation of bodies to their respective homes. The state government has announced a magisterial inquiry to determine the exact cause of the accident and fix responsibility. This is the latest in a series of tragic road accidents in Himachal Pradesh, raising concerns about road safety in the hilly state. The HRTC has stated that they will cooperate fully with the investigation and review their safety protocols.
The incident has cast a pall of grief over the region, and flags have been lowered as a mark of respect for the victims. The rescue operation is expected to continue throughout the night, with authorities committed to leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to account for all passengers. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves and more information becomes available.
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